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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 








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THE 



EVENING OF LIFE. 




^MIS ]ETffiIfim(& 03P XIFIE c 



THE 



EVENING OF LIFE 



OR, 



LIGHT AND COMFORT 



AMIDST THE 



SHADOWS OF DECLINING YEARS. 



REV. JEREMIAH CHAPLIN, D. D. 



THE HOARY HEAD IS A CROWN OF GLORY, IF IT BE FOUND IN THE 
WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. —PrOV. XVI. 31. 



A NEW EDITION, 

REVISED AND MUCH ENLARaED. 




BOSTON: 
GOULD AND LINCOLN, 

59 WASHINGTON STREET. 

NEW YORK: SHELDON, BLAKEMAN & CO. 

CINCINNATI: GEORGE S. BLANCHARD. 

1859. 



-^{^^ 



20 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by 
GOULD AND LINCOLN, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. 



PRINTED BY 
GEO. C. BAND & AVEKY. 



En m\\ M^iljtt 

THIS SLIGHT OFFERING OF AFFECTION 
TS INSCRIBED, 

WITH THE FERVENT PRAYER THAT THE 

EVENING OF HER LIFE 

3IA"S BE AS HAPPY AS ITS DAY 

HAS BEEN USEFUL. 



PEEFACE. 



This unpretending volume is designed to meet what 
is believed to be an actual deficiency. While nume- 
rous voices are speaking through the press to the 
young and the middle-aged of either sex, those who 
have passed the meridian of life are, with rare excep- 
tions,' left unnoticed — one proof, at least, that among 
the virtues of this age is not to be numbered a due 
honoring of the hoary head. 

But if the young need counsel, the aged need 
consolation. With them the day of life is far spent, 
and the evening shadows have begun to fall, or are 
deepening into night. 

We have, therefore, deemed it a pious office as well 
as pleasing, to enter, as far as our experience and 
observation would enable us, within that world of 
thought and feeling, joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, 
where the aged dwell, and, in the light of divine 
revelation, to look out from their own point of view 
upon the Past and Future, that from both we might 
gather incentives to the exercise of gratitude and 
praise, confidence and hope. And that our offering of 
love might be more worthy of their regard, we have 
interwoven with our own humble thoughts and affec- 
tionate sympathies, the reflections of the wise and 



VIII PREFACE. 

good of the present and other times ; in many cases, 
the fruit of a long life's experience. 

While, in our attempts thus to cheer the evening of 
life, we have not overlooked such sources of innocent 
happiness as our gracious Father has opened for the 
aged as well as for the young, in the present world, it 
has been our chief delight to break for them that pre- 
cious box which is fragrant with the name of Jesus, 
and whose sweet perfume is so reviving to the soul. 

The hope that this humble volume might be wel- 
comed by those who are approaching or have reached 
the autumn and winter of their days, and by others 
for their sakes, has made the task of preparation a 
pleasant one ; and if it shall bring hght and comfort 
to a single dwelling, or shall lead one impenitent 
sinner, even at the eleventh hour, to apply his heart 
unto wisdom, it will not have gone forth on its errand 
of love in vain. 

It may be proper to add, that this volume has been 
so prepared that it may be hailed as a friend in the 
family of any Christian denomination. 

And while it is specially designed for the benefit of 
the aged, it may form an appropriate gift from a son 
or daughter to parents who have but just passed the 
noon of life, as it shows how that evening season, 
within whose shades they must soon enter, may be 
made bright and peaceful. 

To the favor of Him, whose Word so often speaks 
the language of tender sympathy for the aged, is this 
our labor of love commended, with the prayer that His 
blessing may go with it, and cause it to brighten their 
pathway to his immediate presence. 



PHEEACE 



TO THE 

NKW, ENLAROEO EDITION. 



In now committing this work — truly a work 
of love — to the Publishers whose well-known 
names appear upon the title-page, I would anew 
bespeak for it a kind welcome in the households 
of the land. I may say, without boasting, that 
it has been to me a great joy to learn numerous 
cases where this unpretending volume has come 
as a messenger of peace. With gratitude to 
God for his blessing upon it in the past, and in 
the hope that it may please Him to make it the 
means of cheering and strengthening yet other 
hearts, I would noAV again, and in a form some- 
what improved and much enlarged, send it forth 
on its mission of love. j ^ 

Boston, Dec. 6, 1858. 



CONTENTS. 



PROSE. 

Page 

The Iloary Head a Crown of Glory Bishop Hall, 1 

The Old Man's Soliloquy at the different Seasons of the 

Year Original, 3 

Prayer for Usefulness in Old Age Hill, 14 

Zachariah and Elizabeth, or the Aged Pair Original, 16 

The Wife's Death Lamartine, 23 

Light in Darkness Vinet, 24 

The Present and the Future Fenelon, 27 

The Cross of Christ Rutherford, 27 

Christ and His Cross Rutherford, 29 

Salvation by Christ Hill, 29 

Rowland Hill in his Old Age Life of H. More, 30 

Dying to Self Berridge, 32 

Vanity of Life Thomas a Kempis, 33 

Meditations on Death Thomas a Kempis, 34 

Warning to the Afflicted Cecil, 34 

Christ a Living Saviour Edwards, 35 

Benefit of Affliction Edwards, 35 

True and False Religion Newton, 35 

The Bible Romaine, 37 

Trials H. More, 37 

Sahnasius Pike, 37 

Blessedness of Heaven Thomas a Kempis, 38 

Elliot in his Old Age 39 

Prayer .Teremy Taylor, 40 

Cloudy Days Lucas, 41 

The Christian on Earth and in Heaven Bunyan, 42 

Death of Robert Bruce Whitecross, 43 

The Evening of Life 44 

(iod's Mercy Jeremy Taylor 45 

The Goodness of God the Solace of the Aged Leighton, 46 

The Whole Family in Heaven ana E"-in Bunyan, 46 

Things to Remember Bunyan, 43 

Sanctification Madame Guyon, 49 

Dying Words of Payson Life of Payson, 51 

The Afflicted Believer Cecil, 52 

Benefit of Affliction Oberlin, 52 

Peace of Mind Francke, 54 

True Wealth Carlyle, 55 



XII CONTENTS. 

Page 

Effects of Grace. Cecil, 55 

Anecdote of Dr. Cogswell 56 

Trust in God Romaine, 57 

Sayings of John Newton Whitecross, 58 

The Christian Pilgrimage Cecil, 59i 

The Land of Beulah Payson, 60 

The Bruised Reed Davies, 61 

Saints of Different Degrees Bogatzky, 63 

Study of the Bible Hopkins, 64 

Consolation for Sufferers Rutherford, 66 

Affliction the Portion of the faints Rutherford, 66 

Loss of Children Rutherford, 69 

Hope amid Trials Rutherford, 69 

The Believer's Death Gill, 70 

Prayer Gurnall, 71 

Naomi— the Widow Comforted Original, 71 

Live by the Day Newton, 79 

Christ an Almighty Saviour Newton, 81 

Dependence on Christ Rutherford, 81 

Sketch of Mrs. B. of B Original, 81 

The Death of Believers Edmondson, 90 

The Bible W. R. Williams, 93 

The Bible Newton, 93 

The Christian's Prospect. Newton, 94 

The Believer Awaiting the Coming of Christ Rutherford, 95 

The Love of Christ in the Sufferings of his Children. . Original, 95 

The Two Wonders Pearce, 98 

To an Afflicted Lady Rutherford, 98 

Thoughts of Heaven Bishop Hall, 99 

Infancy, Youth, and Age Bishop Hall, 102 

The Happiness of the Christian Bishop Hall, 104 

Lesson of Contentment W. R. Williams, 104 

The Aged Saint a Witness for God Original, 108 

Testimony of an Aged Christian Mrs. Graham, 113 

The Aged and Experienced Christian Cecil, 114 

The Cross of Christ McLaurin, 115 

The Beauty of Holiness Original, 1 15 

Barzillai Bible, 119 

Peace in Old Age Original, 124 

Duties and Events Rutherford, 128 

, The Love of Christ Newton, 129 

God's Faithfulness Rutherford, 131 

Dread of Death Martin, 131 

Importance of Exercise Original, 131 

Experience of an Aged Believer Newton, 138 

John Newton in his Old Age Cecil, 139 

The Aged Serving God M. Henry, 143 

Do Something Bishop Plall, 144 

Right Use of Wealth Bishop Hall, 345 

Benefit of Affliction Mrs. Hawkes, 145 

Benefit of Affliction Newton, 146 



CONTENTS. XIII 

Pace 

The Devout Man Bishop TIall, ]47 

Human Frailty Old Humphrey, 148 

The Glory of Heaven Owen, 148 

Relief for Wandering Thoughts Owen, 149 

Which is the Ha ppiest Season 1 A dams, 153 

Clirist the Mediator M.Henry, 153 

Thoughts of God M. Henry, 154 

Father and his Son W. Scott, 157 

Vahie of Religion H. Davy, 157 

Christ's Love to his People Bogatzky, 158 

Dissuasives against a Murmuring Spirit Mrs. Hawkes, 159 

The Disconsolate Encouraged Mrs. Hawkes, ICO 

The Peasant on the Welsh Mountains Fry, 162 

The Bible Krummacher, j63 

A Lesson of Faith 165 

Baynham, the Martyr Lye, 166 

My Father's Grave D.E.Ford, 166 

Baxter's Dying Words Baxter, 168 

Benefit of Afiiiction Newton, 170 

The Hospital and Palace Adam, 170 

Nearer Home Newton, 170 

The Good Man's Consolation M'Kerrow, 171 

Christ a Refiner's Fire Adam, 172 

Submission to the Will of God Rutherford, 173 

Comfort in Atfliction Arrowsmith, 174 

The Happy Old Man 177 

Friends in Heaven Baxter, 178 

The Worldling and the Christian 179 

The Last Days of Dr. Watts and Mr. Hervey 180 

The Christian's Prospect Nalton, 182 

Jesus Lives Mrs. Steele, 183 

Am I a Christian 1 Original, 183 

Letter to an Aged Friend... Rutherford, 191 

The Experience of Newton Newton, • 194 

The Trembling Christian M.Henry, 194 

The Aged Minister 196 

The Aged Believer's Experience and Prospects Newton, 196 

The Aged and the Young Christian. Mrs. Hawkes, 199 

The Death of Christ Bunyan, 200 

Happiness of Heaven Payson, iJOl 

Wonders of Providence Rutherford, 205 

Cheerfulness Jeremy Taylor, 207 

Spiritual Affections Owen, 209 

Progress of Grace in the Soul Islay Burns, 211 

Christian Experience Islay Burns, 213 

Death a Blessing to the Aged Saint Bishop Hall, 214 

FrailtyofAge Blair, 216 

Death aSleep. Bishop Hall, 216 

Benefit of Trials Newton, 219 

The Christian's Hope Newton, 220 

Complete in Christ Rutherford, 220 



XIV CONTENTS. 

Page 

Fear of Death Bishop Hall, 221 

Death a Blessing to the Christian Bishop Hall, 222 

Death Vanquished Payson, 222 

The Hope of the Christian Bishop Hall, 223 

Death of Bunyan Biography of Bunyan, 224 

Death of " Standfast " Bunyan, 227 

Death. H. W. Beecher, 223 

Loneliness Original, 229 

The Vale of Tears Spurgeon, 232 

Christ a Guest Spurgeon, 232 

Christian's Thoughts of Death H. W. Beecher, 232 

Faith 233 

Solitude Chambers' Journal, 233 

Excellency of Christ Spurgeon, 235 

Not the Only Mourner Spurgeon, 235 

A Beautiful Old Age Original, 235 

Old Age N. P. Willis, 239 

The Aged Newark Advertiser, 241 

How to be Happier 24-1 

The Christian a Stranger 242 

Growing Old Chambers' Journal, 242 

Christ the Foundation H. W. Beecher, 243 

Every Man's Life a Plan of God Bushnell, 245 

The Human Heart Fenelon, 246 

Two in Heaven 247 

Recognition in Heaven Baxter, 248 

The Other Side Life of Leighton, 248 

Dying in Christ Tholuck, 249 

Heaven's Revelations H. W. Beecher, 249 

Man's Life Carlyle, 249 

Worldly Old Man Tholuck, 250 

Aged Sinners Tholuck, 250 

Old Age Tholuck, 250 

That Dear Old Soul Original, 251 

The Fruitful Christian's End Tholuck, 262 

Suffering with Christ , Tholuck, 262 

The Sympathy of Jesus Krummacher, 263 

My Grandmother Rural New Yorker, 264 

A Word to the Unmarried Chambers' Journal, 267 

Heaven Near H. W. Beecher, 268 

Heaven H. W. Beecher, 268 

God's Mercy Fleming, 270 

Trust in God Leighton, 270 

Childhood Ruskin, 270 

God's Infinity Ruskin, 270 

Christ Everywhere 271 

The Sinner's Saviour Spurgeon, 272 

Members One of Another Ruskin, 272 

The Beautiful in the Good Ruskin, 273 

Spiritual Beauty Buskin, 273 



CONTENTS. XV 

Page 

Vanity of Life Walter Scott, 274 

Death of John Foster Bayne, 275 

Aged Believers Spurgeon, 276 

Death of Samuel Budgett Bayne, 277 

A Parting Word Original, 2S0 



POETRY. 

Sonnet on his Blindness Milton, ' 3 

The Return of Youth Bryant, 15 

The Aged Marguerite St. Leon Loud 23 

Faith Andros, 28 

Charity *. . Talfourd, 29 

Consolation Crabbe, 3J 

Glory of Prayer Cowpcr, 3G 

The Patriarch Tupper, 36 

Live in View of Death Bryant, 40 

Adieu, my Youth From the Italian, 42 

Song of Life Longfellow, 47 

Prayer of the Aged Barton, 54 

The Aged Comforter Sigourney, 56 

The Flight of Time Knickerbocker 57 

The Shore of Time H. F. Gould, 62 

The Father's Death Stebbing, 64 

Trust in God V^ordsworth, 65 

The Angel of Patience Whittier, 68 

Emblem of a Departing Saint Songs for the Sabbath, 89 

Let me go, for the Day Breaketh Christian Herald, 91 

Trust in God Young, 93 

Looking Heavenward 101 

Pays Gone By. Tapper, 102 

The Hour of Sorrow.' Hemans, 106 

Old Age Barton, 114 

The Cypres^ of Ceylon Whittier, 121 

Love Morris, 152 

The Song of Seventy Tupper, 155 

Old Age Caroline Gilman, 159 

Passing under the Rod Mrs. Dana, 1C2 

The Old Man's Funeral Brj'^ant, 1G3 

A Thought of the Past Sargent, 173 

Calm, Peace, and Light 175 

Footsteps of Angels Longfellow, 175 

'i'he Christian's Grave Rogers, 177 

Affliction Sanctified Sou they, 170 

The Death of a Friend Wills, 200 

Youth and Age Waller, 2U7 

Pleasures of Song Bclhutie, 208 

Christ's Spirit of Forgiveness o^g 

Bong of Dea th Household Words, 225 



XVI CONTENTS. 

Page 

Blessed are they that Mourn Bryant, 234 

I 'm Growing Old Anonymous, 237 

Peace in God Harriet Beecher Stowe, 244 

The Death of DIoses Watts, 251 

Humility Montgomery, 269 

Evening-Time Montgomery, 271 

Song of the Aged Grant, 274 

A Broken Vessel Steele, 276 

The Border-Land 278 



THE 



EVENING OF LIFE. 



THE HOARY HEAD A CROWN OF GLORY. 

While we call old age the winter of our life, 
we must beware lest we derogate from the bounty 
of our Maker, and disparage those blessings 
which He accounts precious ; amongst which 
old age is none of the meanest. 

Had He not put that value upon it, would He 
have honored it with His own style, calling 
himself the "Ancient of Days?" Would He 
have set out this mercy as a reward of obedience 
to himself, " I will fulfil the number of thy days V 
and of obedience to our parents, "To Uve long 
in the land ]" Would He have promised it as a 
marvelous savor to restored Jerusalem, now 
become a city of Truth, that " there shall yet old 
men and old women dwell in the streets of 
Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his 



-6 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

hand for very age?" Would He else have 
denounced it as a judgment to over-indulgent 
Eli, "There shall not be an old man in thj 
house for ever ?" Far be it from us to despise 
that which God doth honor ; and to turn His 
blessing into a curse. 

Yea, the same God who knows best the price 
of His own favors, as He makes no small estima- 
tion of age Himself, so He hath thought fit to 
call for a high respect to be given to it, out of a 
holy awe to himself: " Thou shalt rise up before 
the hoary head, and honor the face of the old 
man, and fear thy God : I am the Lord." 
Hence it is that He hath pleased to put together 
the "ancient" and the "honorable," and has told 
us that a " hoary head is a crown of glory, if it 
be found in the way of righteousness ;" and lastly, 
makes it an argument of the deplored estate of 
Jerusalem that " they favored not the elders."— 
Bishoj) Hall. 

Even to your old age I am He; and even to 
hoar hairs will I carry you : I have made and I 
will bear. — Isaiah xlvi. 4. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 6 

SONNET ON HIS BLINDNESS. 

When I consider how my life is spent 

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 

And that one talent which is death to hide, 

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 

My true account, lest he returning chide ; 

*' Doth God exact day-labor, light denied 3" 

I fondly ask : But Patience, to prevent 

That murmur, soon replies, " God doth not need 

Either man's work, or His own gifts ; who best 

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best ; His state 

Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding sjDeed, 

And post o'er land and ocean without rest ; 

They also serve who only stand and wait." — MUton, 

THE OLD MAN'S SOLILOQUY AT THE DIFFERENT 

SEASONS OF TEE YEAR. 

SPRING. 

The winter is over, and I am glad to feel the 
warm sun once more, and the soft south wind 
that breathes such a balmy fragrance. As it floats 
over the land, it whispers gladness and hope to 
man. The birds follow its course, warbling their 
wild-wood notes, and seeking their deserted nests. 
How sweet the music of the brook that glides 
noisily down the hill-side, rejoicing to be free 



4 THE EVENING OF LIFE, 

again. The children, gay and happy, are run- 
ning to find the earliest flowers, and manhood, 
catching the inspiration of the season, seems to 
resume the freshness of youth. All is life and 

But here am I, an old man, in the winter of 
my days, leaning upon my staff and bending 
under a load of infirmity. My steps are slow 
and trembling. Yet I was young once. The 
memory of those early days is as fresh as ever, 
and it warms my heart to think of them. Then 
my spirits were wild and joyous. How changed 
now! But I would not be young again, nor 
would I murmur at my decay. A better youth is 
before me, free from the folly that has stained the 
past. And somehow I feel now the glow of 
spring within my heart. Old age has not laid 
his frosty hand on that. There sings a free, 
gladsome spirit — there blooms the flower of hope. 
As the south wind now blows softly upon my 
cheek, so my heart feels the warm breathings 
that come from the land of everlasting spring 
There I shall dwell, and be young again. This 
poor, frail body shall know the vigor and elasticity 
oi youthj fashioned like unto the glorious body 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 5 

of my Saviour. Powerful as a seraph, I shall 
then rove amid the beauties of that heavenly 
Paradise. I shall walk with white-robed saints 
and angels on the banks of the river that flows 
from the throne, taste the fruit of the tree of life 
that grows there, and converse upon the high 
themes of providence and redemption ; or else 
sweep through space to do the will of my Re- 
deemer. No scorching summer shall be there, 
nor chilling winter, but an eternal spring ; ever 
unfolding new beauty, new fragrance, new mel- 
ody. No night shall be there, for the Lamb 
sljall be the light thereof. The soft splendor of 
his glory shall be reflected from every face and 
every object. 

Blessed Spring ! I would that thy breeze w^ere 
now fanning me. But I bow before my 
Creator's will, cheerfully waiting for my change 
to come. A few more days in the desert, and 
then farewell earth, welcome heaven ! 

SUMMER. 

The high sun sends down his hot rays upon 
the earth. The buds of spring have burst into 
flowers and fruit, and are fast ripening amid sun- 



6 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

shine and shower. The heart of the husband- 
man rejoices over his luxuriant fields, the promise 
of a golden harvest. 

And yet I linger here — a plant, I trust, m the 
garden of the Lord. The season leads me to 
turn my thoughts inward. The spring-time of 
my religious life has long since passed — the sea- 
son of my first love to Jesus. A long summer of 
privileges and means of spiritual growth has 
followed. The sunshine and dew of heavenly 
grace have fallen upon me, and with sharp provi- 
dences the Husbandman has pruned me, that I 
might bear fruit. How favored among the saints 
have I been ! What precious seasons of com- 
munion with my God and Redeemer have I 
enjoyed! How kindly has he chastened me for 
my good 1 What nourishment and comfort have 
I drawn from the doctrines and promises of the 
gospel ! Hov/ sweet has been the communion 
:)f the saints ! How precious the ordinances of 
God's house ! And my summer is not yet over. 
I have not, indeed, all the outward means of 
grace I once enjoyed — infirmity confines me 
often to my chamber, when my spirit longs for 
the house of the Lord. But the closet and the 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 7 

Word, oh ! they are still as the summer's sun and 
shower. There do I find that river, whose 
streams make glad the city of God ; there do I 
find my Saviour, and sometimes he condescends 
to smile upon me, and then my poor heart is full 
to overflowing. I feel the influence of his blessed 
intercessions, and the sweet breathings of the 
Spirit. And now and then T have strength to 
visit the sanctuary, and there I am revived and 
nourished. Sometimes, too, the Saviour sends 
one of his dear disciples to cheer me in my 
sohtude, and, oh ! what a feast do we enjoy 
while we talk of Jesus and heaven. Truly the 
Lord has not been a wilderness unto me. My 
sky has not indeed been all sunshine. Some- 
times it has been night about me ; but then the 
dew lay upon my roots, and I did not perish. I 
can remember, too, storms of temptation that 
swept over me, and threatened my destruction. 
It seemed then as though all were gone, that I 
should be uprooted and laid prostrate. Oh ! how 
have my lofty boughs been shaken and broken — 
how have I been stripped of my pride and 
beauty, and made to bend before the blast ! But 
He who rides upon the wings of the wind, and 



8 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

directs the storm, caused the tempest to pass bj. 
The prince of the power of the air was driven 
hack, and again all was calm and bright. These 
fierce temptations, fearful to remember, served, 
lirough grace, to fasten my roots more firmlj in 
,he earth, and give me new" strength for future 
assaults. They taught me my weakness, and 
where alone lay my strength and hope. Thus, 
even these have been among my means of spi- 
ritual growth. And oh, what distressing discove- 
ries have I had of the hidden corruption of my 
nature. Surely, thought I, I cannot belong to 
the Lord's garden — I am a cumberer of the 
ground — -it must be said of me, Cut it down. 
But all this has driven me closer to my Saviour, 
and revealed to me new glories in his grace. I 
must reckon these also among my summer privi- 
leges. I can bless God for trials and crosses. I 
w^ould adore the grace that has sanctified them 
to me. Thanks for the summer that has been 
granted, with all its clouds, and storms, and dark- 
ness. Better than all sunshine. And may it be 
summer still with my soul, till I die. Let the 
sun of righteousness still rise upon me, and the 
dew of heavenly grace fall gently upon me, or I 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 9 

perish. Oh, if it please thee, great God, spare 
ine severe temptations — let not the adversary 
assail me ! But if he be permitted for wise rea- 
sons to tempt me, oh ! be present with me, and 
give me a way of escape. Let me not marmur 
under the rod. Any way, only let me grow in 
grace, whether in storm or sunshine. When the 
great harvest-day shall come, may I be found a 
shock of corn fully ripe. 

AUTUMN. 

Rich, golden, fruitful autumn ! How the sun 
declines, and sheds a milder radiance. I hear 
the song of the reaper pouring forth his joy, as 
I was w^ont to do. The rich harvest falls around 
him, and he stands' in the midst of smiling 
plenty. 

Bountiful Father ! praise to thee for thy benig- 
nant providence. Amid these fields, where, so 
many summers, I have gone forth to my daily 
toil, seed-time and harvest have come in their 
unfailing season, according to thy promise. And 
once more thou crow nest the year with thy 
goodness. 

This is the harvest-time, the season of matu- 

2 



10 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

rity and abundance. How is it with my soul? 
These green fields shall perish, but my spirit 
shall survive their desolation. Is it autumn-time 
with that? Does it exhibit signs of fruitfulness? 
Do its maturing graces indicate a meetness for 
the heavenly garner ! True, no plant of grace 
attains its perfection here. The "harvest-home" 
shall not be sung on earth. But at this late 
hour should be manifest no doubtful signs of 
increase and maturity. My long summer of 
gracious privileges should have made my graces 
strong and thrifty, and ripened flowers into fruit. 
As the hour is at hand when the Husbandman 
shall gather in his harvest, it becomes me to be 
ready. 

Alas ! I have to lament my barrenness. When 
I should flourish like the palm-tree, I am scarce 
more than a stinted shrub. When I should be 
laden with Iruit, I too much resemble the barren 
fig-tree. Yet, oh great and good Husbandman, 
it would be sinful ingratitude to deny what thou 
hast done for me. Thou hast not permitted the 
promise of spring to die. Thou hast watched 
over the seeds of grace ; thou hast watered and 
nourished the tender plants ; thou hast kept 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 11 

away the destroying foot and the blightuig mil- 
dew. By the grace of God, I am what I am. 
I thmk I care less for the w^orld, sin appears 
more odious, hoHness more lovely, God more 
glorious, the Saviour more precious, heaven more 
desirable. Thy w^ord is my delight; thy pro- 
mises, my stay ; the closet, my chosen retreat. 
I long for more readiness to do and suffer thy 
will. It pains me that I am no more patient and 
holy. Oh, to be free from sin, to dwell where 
eveiy thought will be holy, every breath praise. 
Is not this the fruit of thy Spirit ? It is of thy 
grace, which has not wrought in vain. In my flesh 
dwells no good thing, but thy Spirit raises my 
soul to God. I trust to be accepted through the 
merits of the Redeemer. 

Yet, methinks, there is a sadness in the season. 
Its influence steals over my spirit and I cannot 
but weep as a child. Where are the friends of 
my youth ? They have fallen, like leaves, 
around me. My children — I look for them in 
vain — they " are gone forth of me, and are not." 
I am as a tree stripped of its foliage. The 
moaning wind reminds me that my life is de])art- 
ing, and that I hasten to my account. 1 think 



12 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

of my imperfection — of my small growth — of 
the httle honor I have brought to my Saviour, 
and am sad. 

But, O Saviom*, though I have never loved 
nor glorified thee as I ought, and have often 
grieved thee, I must fly to thee. Life is fail- 
ing, be Thou my strength. Thy blood and 
righteousness are my only plea. And, oh, make 
me a more fruitful branch. Affliction and long 
years have stripped off' my leaves ; may the sun 
shine more w^armly upon me, and ripen the fruit 
for heaven ! Oh, blessed Paradise, w^here I shall 
bring forth fruit in heavenly perfection! 

WINTER. 

The cold bleak winds of winter are raging 
without. The snow falls fast, and the trees put 
on their frosty fohage. This is the old age of 
the year. Its youth and manhood are past, 
and now come decrepitude and death. Not a 
flower can be seen in all the fields, and the war- 
blers have all flown, except the snow-birds that 
gather crumbs under the window. How cold 
and drear ! The fresh beauty of Spring has left 
not a trace behind. The old year is dying out. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 13 

[l is wrapping its drapery of death around it, and 
preparing to be numbered with the years beyond 
the flood. 

And the winter of my day is come. The 
frost of age whitens my temples. Like all my 
fathers, I am descending to the dust Lord, 
help me to number my days, and apply my 
heart unto wisdom. The remnant of my days is 
but a hand-breadth. May I keep my end in 
sight. In view of death, how is it with me ? 
Doth death seem terrible, and the grave a place 
of gloom 1 Blessed be God, while I sit musing 
by this cheerful fire, with the precious Bible in 
my hands, so full of promises, I can say, I would 
not live always. In this warm room flowers are 
blooming in mid- winter; so within my heart, 
amid the frosts of age, the flower of Hope is 
blossoming for eternity. 

The glow of youthful passion is quenched, 
but instead, the love of Christ burns within me. 
I feel its blessed warmth. Not things present, 
nor things to come, can extinguish it. It shall 
live when my poor body lies in the grave. God 
himself kindled the flame, and he will allow 
nothing to quench it. Through the merits of 



14 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

the crucified Redeemer, for me to die will be 
gain. Come, death — come, life. 

Winter is next to spring. Then the flowers 
will bloom again, and the birds sing as sweetly as 
ever. And my winter will soon be over, and 
then an everlasting Spring. Whether another 
one on earth awaits me, it concerns me not. A 
brighter and unfading one will open before me. 
The nearer to death, the nearer to glory. My 
soul shall be with Jesus. And my body, though 
it sleep in dust, shall rise, at the resurrection 
morning, from the corruption of death, in youth- 
ful beauty and strength, and then body and spirit 
shall be companions in glory. Thanks be to 
God who giveth me the victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER FOR USEFULNESS IN OLD AGE. 

See you the sun, how majestically and brightly 
it sheds its parting beams around you 1 I have 
heard that the rays of the setting sun produce a 
most salutary effect on the vegetable word. Oh, 
that my setting sun, which must soon go down 
in death, may, during the evening of my days, 
be more and more blessed in shedding a bene- 



THE KVENING OF LIFE. io 

ficial light on the trees the Lord hath planted, 
and is watering to his glory. — Rowland HilL 

THE RETURN OF YOUTH. 

My friend, thou sorrowest for thy golden prime, 
For thy fair youthful years, too swift of flight ; 
Thou musest, with wet eyes, upon the time 
Of cheerful hopes that filled the world with light ; 
Years when thy heart was bold, thy hand was strong, 
And prompt thy tongue the generous thought to speak, 
And willing faith was thine, and scorn of wrong 
Summoned the sudden crimson to thy cheek. 

Thou lookest forward on the coming days, 
Shuddering to feel their shadow o'er thee creep ; 
A path, thick set with changes and decays. 
Slopes dow^nward to the place of common sleep ; 
And they who walked with thee in life's first stage, 
Leave one by one thy side, and, waiting here, 
Thou seest the sad companions of thy age — 
Dull love of rest, and weariness, and fear. 

Yet grieve thou not, nor think thy youth is gone, 
Nor deem that glorious season e'er could die ; 
The pleasant youth, a little while withdrawn, 
Waits on the horizon of a brighter sky ; 
Waits like the morn, but folds her wings and hides, 
Till the slow stars bring back her dawning hour ; 
Waits like the vanished spring, that slumbering bided 
Her own sweet time to waken bird and flower. 



16 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

There shall he welcome thee, when thou shalt stand 
On his bright morning hills, with smiles more sweet 
Than when at first he took thee by the hand, 
Through the fair earth to lead thy tender feet ; 
He shall bring back, but brighter, broader still, 
Life's early glory to thine eyes ; again 
Shall clothe thy spirit with new strength, and fill 
Thy leaping heart with warmer love than then. 

Hast thou not glimpses, in the twilight here, 

Of mountains where immortal morn prevails ? 

Comes there not, through their silence, to thine ear 

A gentle murmur of the morning gales 

That sweep the ambrosial groves of that bright shore, 

And thence the fragrance of its blossoms bear, 

And voices of the loved ones gone before, 

More musical in that celestial air ? Bryant, 

ZACHARIAH AND ELIZABETH— OR THE AGED 
PAIR. 

Beautiful is old age when walking in the 
way of righteousness, and such was the glory 
that crowned the declining days of the parents 
of John the Baptist. " They were both right- 
eous before God, walking in all the command- 
ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." 

But doubly beautiful is such old age, when, 
not pursuing its lonely way, weeping at the 



THE EVExNING OF LIFE. 17 

remembrance of one with whom that path to 
glory had been trodden, but, alas ! smitten down 
to the dust of death, — it is seen, pressing that 
path, cheered by the fond companionship of 
cadier days. And such, too, was the distinguished 
happiness of Zachariah and Ehzabeth. The 
Providence that had made them one, had kindly 
continued that union to a good old age. To- 
gether do they serve God on earth, together are 
they waiting for their change to come. 

God would seem to have conferred special 
honor upon pious age, in connexion with that 
astonishing event, the advent of Jesus. It was no 
young man to whom was allowed the exalted 
privilege of giving the first public welcome to the 
Messiah ; but it was Simeon, the just and devout, 
who had waited for the consolation of Israel. It 
was no young female, whose voice of praise and 
thanksgiving blended wdth Simeon's in the temple 
over the holy child, but Anna's, the widow of 
fourscore and four years, who served God with 
fastings and prayers night and day. And when 
one is to be raised up as the prophet of the 
Highest, to go before the Lord in the spirit and 

power of Elias, beneath whose roof shall he 

2# 



IS THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

first appear ? Whose, but that of those aged 
saints before aUuded to, whose house had never 
rung with the glad voice of children ? In their 
old age shall they have joy and gladness, in the 
experience of parental love, and in sustaining, a 
most interesting relation to the advent of the 
Saviour. 

Lovely was their life before this event, — passed 
in the serene beauty of holiness ; but a new glory 
gilds their path, and new joy fills their hearts, at 
tlie fulfilment of the divine promise made through 
Gabriel. What the Hebrew mother ever deemed 
her special happiness and honor, but till now 
denied Ehzabeth, is unexpectedly granted her. 
She embraces a child, and such a child ! 

It was with delight, but it must have been a 
strange delight, with which a feeling of awe was 
blended, that she pressed to her heart this singular 
child, sanctified even from his birth, the subject 
of such remarkable predictions, and destined to 
so sublime a mission. And with what strange 
feelings must those parents have watched his 
unfolding childhood, trained as it was under the 
immediate tuition of the Holy Spirit, and certain, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 19 

bj God's promise, to expand into a noble man- 
hood. 

Blessed old age! happy home ! where domestic 
bliss is hallowed by exalted piety, and where we 
are taught how even earth may yield pure enjoy- 
ment, if only the Spirit of God dwell within us. 

The contemplation of this happy, venerable 
pair, naturally brings to mind others, whose union, 
protracted to a good old age, has been our 
admiration and delight. The evening shad- 
ows are, with them, deepening into night, but 
they descend hand in hand into the " valley ;" — 
they who were one in the spring and summer of 
life, are still together in its autumn. 

The fall of the year is the season when nature 
begins her decline. The chill winds moan 
through the trees, the sere and yellow leaf 
appears, and the songs of the birds are dying 
away. So is it with those whose life is hasten- 
ing to its close : the beauty of life is faded, the 
songs of earlier days are sobered into grave con- 
templations, and behold, the friends of youth 
have fallen like the leaves of the forest. At such a 
season of life, it is a blessing to be, not like Abra- 
ham when his Sarah was buried from his sight, 



20 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

or Naomi when bereaved of her husband, but 
like Zachariah and Elizabeth, leaning upon each 
other in old age, and cheered by the blessed hope 
of an eternal union after only a brief separation. 
There in the family mansion, in which a third 
generation may have grown up around them, sit 
the aged couple — the patriarch of fourscore years, 
his hoary head a crown of glory ; and the vene- 
rable matron, the mother perhaps of many sons 
and daughters. It is pleasing to go in and sit 
beside them, and engage them in conversation 
upon the past and future. And you may be 
almost sure to find them together. In former 
years, though they loved and lived for each 
other, their pursuits often called them, different 
ways in the busy world. But now they are never 
happy except when together. Their enfeebled 
powers are unequal to any severe toil, and the 
aged husband, after a short absence, gladly directs 
his steps homeward to greet her, whose presence 
has become indispensable to his happiness. How 
pleasing to witness the childlike simplicity of 
their affection, displayed in many httle acts of 
kindness toward each other. The schemes which 
once occupied their minds, at home or abroad, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 21 

have given place to the gentle assiduities of 
love. 

All the scenes through which a long life has 
led them, w^hether of prosperity or darkness, have 
cemented their hearts, and identified their inte- 
rests more closely together. 

Along the path of sorrow they have, perhaps, 
often walked and wept together, and learned how 
vain is earth, how true is heaven. The sickness 
or death of children, when they have mingled 
their griefs and prayers, the graves where they 
have laid their dead, the tears they have there shed, 
the flowers they have there planted, and the visits 
they have there made; the domestic altar, by 
which, during long years, morning and evening, 
parents and children have knelt together; the 
sanctuary where they have hallowed so many 
Sabbaths : and the precious revivals, it may be, 
which they have witnessed, and which have 
brought the joy of salvation into their own house- 
hold, — these, and all the other varied scenes of a 
long pilgrimage have made them inseparably one. 

How ready they are to talk over, with them- 
selves or their friends, these past events, and to 
adore the good hand of the Lord in all the 



22 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

changes that have marked then* course since their 
fortunes became identified. ' 

Of all the friends of their youth, only here and 
there one remains. The greater part are resting 
where their own mortal part must soon find its 
home. Everything admonishes them that life is 
ebbing, that their sands are almost run. But 
they do not repine, for they would not five 
always, and they feel that God has indeed been 
very merciful to them. They have had their full 
share of the joys of earth ; but they have experi- 
enced also its sorrows, and are burdened with its 
infirmities, and they would gladly soar away and 
be at rest. They are surrounded, it may be, by 
those who dehght to minister to their comfort, 
and for this they are thankful; bat they have a 
dearer friend above, better than sons and daugh- 
ters, infinitely lovely, and they long to be with 
Him. In Him is their trust. Him they would see 
and adore. How cheerful their spirit, how 
childUke their faith. And as they have been one 
in life, so in death they cannot be long divided. 
Which first shall go they know not : enough, that 
they shall have the same home for ever. 



THE E V K N I N G OF LIFE. 23 

THE WIFE'S DEATH. 
The death of an old man s wife is like cutting 
down an ancient oak that has long shaded the 
family mansion. Henceforth the glare of the 
world, with its cares and vicissitudes, falls upon 
the old wddower s heart, and there is nothing to 
break their force or shield him from the full 
weight of misfortune. It is as if his right hand 
had withered — as if one wing of his eagle w^as 
broken, and every movement that he made 
brought him to the ground. His eyes are dim and 
glassy, and when the fihn of death falls over him, 
he misses those accustomed tones which might 
have soothed his passage to the grave. — Lamar^ 
tine. 

THE AGED. 
I LOVE the aged ; — every silver hair 

On tlieir time-honored brows, speak to my heart 
In language of the past ; each furrow there. 

In all my best affections claims a part ; 
Next to our God and Scripture's holy page, 
Is deepest rev'rence due to virtuous age. 

The aged Christian stands upon the shore 

Of Time, a storehouse of experience. 
Filled with the treasures of rich heavenly lore ; 

I love to sit and hear him draw from thence 



24 THE EVENING OF L \ F E . 

Sweet recollections of his journey past, — ' 

A journey crowned with blessings to the last. 

Lovely the aged ! when like shocks of corn, 
Full ripe and ready for the reaper's hand. 

Which garners for the resurrection morn 
The bodies of the just, — in hope they stand. 

And dead must be the heart, the bosom cold, 

Which warms not with affection for the old. 

Marguerite St, Leon Loud. 

LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 
God would not hesitate to work wonders in 
order to turn your sorrow into joy. When in 
your Gethseniane (for each in his turn enters this 
garden to sweat blood hke the Prince of the just) 
you shall in your agony have uttered the mourn- 
ful cry, *' Father, let this cup pass from me," the 
Father might send angels to your assistance, as he 
did to our generous representative. But Christ 
needed this assistance, and, thanks to him, we 
need it not. The angels, who in those dread 
times will come with a compassionate hand to 
support our declining head, and wipe the sweat 
from our brow, are invisible angels, who will not 
then come for the first time, for they have been 
long there, and have never quitted us. These 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 25 

invisible angels are faith, hope, and love, if we 
have detained them beside us by contemplation 
prayer, and good works ; or rather he whom we 
have detained beside us is God himself; God, 
whose spirit, as he himself has said, " is in distress 
in all our distresses." " Though we walk through 
the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear 
no evil, for God is with us, his rod and his staff 
comfort us." Yes, in this very darkness, the 
blackest of all darkness, in the approaches of 
death, thou, thyself, O Lord ! wilt come to com- 
fort thy poor creatures ; thou w^ilt defend our 
couch from those visions of terror which ominous 
appearances and the remembrance of our sins 
gather around us. Did it seem good to thy 
wisdom to leave us alone, and without immedi- 
ate consolation, to perform part of the journey in 
the darkness of the cavern, it would be on its 
issue to give a purer and more brilliant hght to 
the sacred day of redemption. The radiant face 
of our Saviour will enlighten this darkness ; we 
shall not be long in discerning his mild and 
beneficent countenance ; and from that moment, 
assured and enraptured, we shall feel a sublime 
joy rise and expand in our soul over our fears, 



26 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

our regrets, and it maj be, our remorse. Beside 
him what can we fear; what can we want? 
Shall we not be well w^ierever he is? Can we 
be perfectly satisfied wherever he is not ? Was 
not the hope which supplied the place of happi- 
ness here beldw, the hope of possessing hun ? 
And if it was sweet in this place of exile to suffer 
with him, what will it be in heaven to reign with 
him ? O revelations, glory, marvels of a Chris- 
tian death, how great you are and ravishing ! 
Will it ever be possible for us to pay too dearly 
for them ? Is it to pay too much for the death 
of the righteous to die beforehand, and die daily 
to ourselves, and hide our Ufe with Christ in the 
bosom of God ? O Lord, teach us this death, in 
order that we may be capable of the other ! O 
Lord, disrobe us of ourselves, and clothe us with 
thyself! Make us poor in order that we may be 
rich ! Be our only treasure ! Be our only light 
in the days of happiness, so that thou mayest 
also be our light in days of mourning, and at the 
hour of final departure ! — Vinet. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 27 

THE PRKSENT AND THE FUTURE. 
It is strange that the experience of so many 
ages should not make us judge more soHdly of 
the present and of the future, so as to take 
proper measures in the one for the other. We 
doat upon this world as if it were never to have 
an end, and we neglect the next, as if it were 
never to have a beginning. — Fenelon. 

Build your nest on no tree here ; for you see 
God hath sold the forest to death, and every tree 
upon which we would rest is ready to be cut 
down, to the end that we may flee and mount up 
and build upon the rock. — Rutherford. 

The Cross of Christ. — Christ's cross is the 
sweetest burden that ever I bore : it is such a 
burden as wdngs are to a bird, or sails to a ship, 
to carry me forward to my harbor. — Rutherford. 

Children's children are the crown of old men ; 
and the glory of children are their fathers. — 
Frov. xvii. 6 



28 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

FAITH. 
A SWALLOW, in the spring, 
Came to our granary, and 'neath tlie eaves 
Essayed to make a nest, and there did bring 
Wet earth, and straw, and leaves. 

Day after day she toiled, 

With patient art, but ere her work was crowned, 
Some sad mishap the tiny fabric spoiled, 
And dashed it to the groimd. 

She found the ruin wrought ; 
Yet not cast down, forth from the place she flew. 
And with her mate fresh earth and grasses brought, 
And built her nest anew. 

But scarcely had she placed 

The last soft feather on its ample floor, 

When wicked hand, or chance, again laid waste 

And wrought the ruin o'er. 

But still her heart she kept, 
And toiled again ; — and, last night hearing calls, 
I looked, and lo ! three httle swallows slept 
Within the earth-made walls. 

What truth is here, man ! 

Hath Hope been smitten in its early dawn ? 

Have clouds o'ercast thy purpose, trust or plan ! 

Have Faith, and struggle on ! 

R, S. S. Andros. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 29 

Christ and His Cross. — Hold fast Christ, 
bat take his cross and hnnself cheerfully ; Christ 
and his cross are not separable in this life, how- 
ever they part at heaven's door, for there is no 
room for crosses in heaven ; crosses are but the 
marks of our Lord Jesus, dow^n in this stormy 
country, or this side death ; sorrow and the 
saints are not married together ; or, suppose it 
were so, heaven will make a divorce. — Ruther- 
ford. 

CHARITY. 
'Tis a little thing 
To give a cup of water; yet its draught 
Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered hps, 
May give a shock of pleasure to the frame 
More exquisite than when nectarean juice 
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours. 
It is a little thing to speak a phrase 
Of common comfort which by daily use 
Has almost lost its sense ; yet on the ear 
Of him who thought to die unmourned 'twill fall 
Like choicest music. — Taljourd, 

Salvation by Christ. — People talk about 
looking back on a well-spent life. I look up to 



30 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

liim who spent his life gloriously to redeem the 
life of my precious soul ; and there alone I dare 
to look. I thank God who has kept me from 
the grosser sins of the world ; but there is not a 
prayer more suitable to my dying lips than that 
of the publican, — "God be merciful to me a 
sinner." — Rowland Hill. 

ROWLAND HILL IN HIS OLD AGE. 
When Rowland Hill was far advanced in hfe, 
he made a visit to Mrs. Hannah More. In 
answer to a question from that lady, he informed 
her that he had vaccinated with his own hand 
nearly eight thousand persons. One who was 
present at the interview says : " We talked of 
everybody, from John Bunyan, to John Locke, 
and he really showed an excellent discrimination 
and tact in character. But the most beautiful 
feature of all was the spirit of love and charity 
which was eminently conspicuous in this Chris- 
tian veteran. I cannot express to you how 
interesting a spectacle it was to see these two 
already half-beatified servants of their common 
Lord greeting one another for the first, and 
probably the last time on this side Jordan, pre- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 31 

paratory to the consummation of a union and 
friendship which will last for ever in the region of 
eternal felicity. I do suppose that no two per- 
sons in their owai generation have done more in 
their respective ways than Hannah More and 
Rowland Hill. Both have exceeded fourscore ; 
both retain health and vigor of intellect ; both 
are on the extreme verge of eternity, w^aiting for 
the glorious summons, ' Come, ye blessed of my 
Father/ " He concluded this interesting visit with 
a jfine prayer, which was poured forth in an 
excellent voice and manner. — Hannah Move's 
Life. 

CONSOLATION. 

Pilgrim burdened with thy sin, 
Come the way to Zion's gate, 
There, till mercy let thee in. 
Knock, and weep, and watch, and wait. 
Knock ! He knows the sinner's cry ; 
Weep ! lie loves the mourner's tears ; 
Watch ! for saving grace is nigh ; 
Wait — till heavenly light appears. 

Hark ! it is the bridegroom's voice : 
Welcome, pilgrim, to thy rest ; 
Now within the gate rejoice, 
Safe, and sealed, and bought, and blest. 



32 THE EVENING OF LIFE, 

Safe — from all the lures of vice, 
Sealed — by signs the chosen know, 
Bought — by love, and life the price, 
Blest — the mighty debt to owe. 

Holy pilgrim ! what for thee 
In a world like this remain ? 
From thy guarded breast shall flee 
Fear, and shame, and doubt, and pain. 
Fear — the hope of heaven shall fly, 
Shame — from glory's view retire, 
Doubt — in certain rapture die, 
Pain — in endless bliss expire. — Crabhe. 

DYING TO SELF. 
The pious Mr. Berridge says in a letter to 
Mrs. Wilberforce, when she was in dying circum- 
stances: "Live as near to Jesus as you possibly 
can, but die, die to self. 'Tis a daily work — 'tis 
a hard work. I find myself to be like an 
insurmountable mountain, or a perpendicular 
rock that must be overcome ! I've not got over 
it, not half way over ! This, this is my greatest 
trial! Self is like a mountain; Jesus is a sun 
that shines on the other side of the mountain ; 
and now and then a sunbeam shines over the 
top ; we get a gUmpse, a sort of twilight appre- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 33 

hcnsion of the briglitness of the sun ; but self 
must be much more subdued in me before I can 
bask m the sunbeams of the ever blessed Jesus, or 
say in everything ' Thy vsdll be done !' 

VANITY OF LIFE. 

What availeth it to hve long, when the im- 
provement of hfe is so inconsiderable \ Length of 
days, instead of making us better, often increaseth 
the w^eight of sin. Would to God that w^e could 
live well, only for one day ! Many reckon years 
from the time of their conversion ; but the account 
of thek attainments in holiness is exceedingly 
small. Therefore, though death be terrible, yet a 
longer life may be dangerous. Blessed is the 
man who continually anticipates the hour of his 
death, and keeps himself in continual preparation 
for its approach ! — Thomas a Kempis. 

The glory of young men is their strength ; 
and the beauty of old men is the gray head. — 
Prov. XX. 29. 

3 



34 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

MEDITATIONS ON DEATH. 
If thou hast ever seen another die, let not the 
impression of that most interesting sight be effaced 
from thy heart ; but remember, that through the 
same vale of darkness thou also must pass from 
this state of existence to the next. When it is 
morning, think that thou may est not Uve till the 
evening ; and, in the evening, presume not to 
promise thyself another morning. Be, therefore, 
always ready, and so hve, that death may not 
find thee confounded at its summons. Many die 
suddenly and unexpectedly: "for in such an 
hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." 
And when that last hour is come to thee, thou 
wilt begin to think differently of thy past life, and 
be inexpressibly grieved for thy remissness and 
inconsideration. — Thomas a Kempis. 

Warning to the Afflicted. — AfHiction has 
a tendency, especially if long continued, to gene- 
rate a kind of despondency and ill temper ; and 
spiritual incapacity is closely connected with pain 
and sickness. The spirit of prayer does not 
necessarily come with affliction. If this be not 
poured out upon the man, he will, hke a wounded 
beast, skulk to his den and growl there. — Cecil 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 35 

Christ a Living Saviour. — Christ is not in 
the heart of a saint, as in a sepulchre, or as a 
dead Saviour, that does nothing, but as in his 
temple, and as one that is aUve from the dead. — 
Pres, Edwards. 

BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. 

The surest way to know our gold is to look 
upon it and examine it in God's furnace, where 
he tries it for that end, that we may see what it 
is. If we have a mind to know whether a 
building stands strong or no, we must look upon 
it when the wind blows. If we would know 
whether that which appears in the form of wheat 
has the real substance of wheat, or be only chaff, 
we must observe it, when it is winnowed. If we 
would know whether a staff be strong, or a rot- 
ten, broken reed, we must observe it when it is 
leaned on, and weight is borne upon it. If we 
would weigh ourselves justly, we must weigh 
ourselves in God's scales, that he makes use of to 
weigh us. — Fres. Edwards. 

True and False Religion. — The religion of 
some people is constrained ; they are like people 
who use the cold bath — not for pleasure, but 



36 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

necessity and their health ; they go in with 
rehictance, and are glad when they get out. But 
religion to a true behever is hke water to a fish ; 
it is his element, he lives in it, and he could not 
live out of it. — John Newton. 

GLORY OF PRAYER. 
When one that holds communion with the skies, 
Has filled his urn where these pure waters rise, 
And once more mingles with us, meaner things, 
'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings ; 
Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide. 
That tells us whence the treasure is supplied. — Cowper, 

THE PATRIARCH. 

Behold a patriarch of years, who leaneth on the staff of 

religion ; 
His heart is fresh, quick to feel, a bursting fount of generosity ; 
He, playful in his wisdom, is gladdened in his children's glad* 

ness. 
He, pure in his experience, loveth in his son's first love : 
Lofty aspirations, deep affections, holy hopes are his delight ; 
His abhorrence is to strip from hfe its charitable garment of 

ideal. 
The shrewd world laughed at him for honesty, the vain world 

mouthed at him for honor. 
The false world hated him for truth, the cold world despised 

him for affection. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 37 

Still, he kept liis trensure, the warm and noble heart, 
And in that happy old man survive the child and lover. 

Tapper, 

The Bible. — I will answer for it, the longer 
you read the Bible, the more you will like it ; it 
will grow sweeter and sweeter ; and the more 
you get into the spirit of it, the more you will get 
into the spirit of Christ. — Rojiiaine. 

Trials. — Outward attacks and troubles rather 
fix than unsettle the Christian, as tempests from 
without only serve to root the oak faster ; whilst 
an inward canker will gradually rot and decay 
it.— iZ: More. 

SALMASIUS. 
Salmasius was a man of most extraordinary 
abilities, his name resounded through Europe, and 
his presence was earnestly sought in different 
nations. When he arrived at the evening of 
life, he acknowledged that he had too much, and 
too earnestly engaged in literary pursuits. '' O !" 
said he, " I have lost an immense portion of time ; 
time, that most precious thing in the world ! 
Had I but one year more, it should be spent in 
studying David's Psalms and Paul's Epistles. 



38 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Oh ! sirs," said he to those about him, " mind 
the world less, and God more. ' The fear of the 
Lord, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil, 
that is understanding.' " — Pike. 

BLESSEDNESS OF HEAVEN. 
On a certain day known only to the Lord, the 
reign of the Prince of Peace will commence ; 
when instead of the vicissitudes of day and night, 
joy and sorrow, that are now known, there shall 
be uninterrupted light, infinite splendor, unchange- 
able peace, and everlasting rest. Then thou 
wilt no longer say, " Who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death ?" nor exclaim, " Woe is 
me that my pilgrimage is prolonged !" for " death 
shall be swallow^ed up in victory," and " the 
corruptible will have put on incorruption." Then 
" all tears shall be wiped from thy eyes," and all 
sorrow^ taken from thy heart; and thou shalt 
enjoy perpetual delight in the lovely society of 
angels, and the " spirits of the just made perfect." 
— Thomas a Keinpis. 

O WAS it possible for thee to behold the un- 
fading brightness of those crowns which the 
blessed wear in heaven ; and with what trium- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 6\) 

pliant glory they, whom the world once despised, 
and thought unworthy of life itself, are now 
invested ; verily, thou wouldst humble thyself to 
the dust, and rather choose to be inferior to all 
men, than superior even to one ; instead of sigh- 
ing for the perpetual enjoyment of the pleasures 
of this life, thou wouldst rejoice in suffering all its 
afflictions for the sake of God ; and wouldst count 
it great gain to be despised and rejected as noth- 
ing among men. — Tko?nas a Kemins. 

ELLIOT IN HIS OLD AGE. 

On the day of his death, in his eightieth year, 
Elliot, "the apostle of the Indians," was found 
teaching the alphabet to an Indian child at his 
bed-side. " Why not rest from your labors now V 
said a friend. " Because," said the venerable 
man, " I have prayed to God to render me useful 
in my sphere ; and he has heard my prayers ; for 
now that I can no longer preach, he leaves me 
strength enough to teach this poor child his 
alphabet." 

The best prayers have often more groans than 
words. — Bunyan. 



40 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

LIVE IN VIEW OF DEATH. 

So live, that when thy summons comes to join 

The innumerable caravan, that moves 

To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take 

His chamber in the silent halls of death. 

Thou go not, hke the quarry slave at night. 

Scourged to his dungeon ; but, sustained and soothed 

By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 

Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 

About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. — Bryant 

PRAYER. 

I HAVE seen a lark rising from his bed of grass 
and soaring upwards, singing as he rises, in hopes 
to get to heaven and climb above the clouds ; 
but the poor bird vv^as beaten back vv^ith the loud 
sighing of an eastern wind, and his motion made 
irregular and inconstant, descending more at every 
breath of the tempest than all the viI)rations of 
his wings served to exalt him, till the little 
creature was forced to sit down and pant, and 
stay till the storm was overpast; and then it 
made a prosperous flight ; for then it did rise and 
sing as if it had learned music and motion from 
some angel as he passed some time through the 
air. So is the prayer of the good man when 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 41 

agitated by any passion. He fain would speak 
to God, and his words are of the earth, earthy ; 
he would look to his Maker, but he could not 
help seeing also that which distracted him, and a 
tempest was raised and the man overruled ; his 
prayer was broken and his thoughts were troubled, 
and his words ascended to the clouds, and the 
wandering of his imagination recalled them, and 
in all the fluctuating varieties of passion they are 
never like to reach God at all. But he sits him 
down and sighs over his infirmity, and fixes his 
thoughts upon things above, and forgets all the 
little vain passages of this life, and his spirit is 
becalmed, and his soul is even and still, and then 
it softly and sweetly ascends to heaven on the 
wings of the Holy Dove, and dwells with God, 
till it returns, like the useful bee, loaded with a 
blessing and the dew of heaven. — Jeremy Taylor. 

CLOUDY DAYS. 

A BLACK cloud makes the traveller mend his 

pace, and mind his home ; whereas a fair day 

and a pleasant way waste his time, and that 

stealeth away his affections in the prospect of the 

country. However others may think of it, yet 

3# 



42. THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

I take it as a mercy, that now and then some 
clouds come between me and my sun, and many 
times some troubles do conceal my comforts ; for 
I perceive, if T should find too much friendship 
in my inn, in my pilgrimage, I should soon forget 
my father's house and my heritage. — Lucas. 

THE CHRISTIAN ON" EARTH AND IN HEAVEN. 
Sometimes I look upon myself, and say, 
" Where am I now V and do quickly return 
answer to myself again, " Why, I am in an evil 
world, a great way from heaven, in a sinful 
world, among devils and wicked men ; some- 
times benighted, sometimes beguiled, sometimes 
fearing, sometimes hoping, sometimes breath- 
ing, sometimes dying." But then I turn the 
tables, and say, " But where shall I be shortly \ 
Where shall I see myself anon after a few times 
more have passed over me V and when I can 
but answer this question thus : " I shall see my- 
self with Jesus Christ ;" this yields glory, even 
glory to one's spirit now. — Bunyan. 

SONNET, "ADIEU, MY YOUTH!" 

[from the ITALIAN.] 

Adieu, my youth ! without one sigh adieu ! 
Deceits, enchautments, struggles, longings, dreams, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 43 

Delusions, follies — (no light load meseems !) — 

Take all ! Cast to the winds thy retinue. 

The mind swollen out with mists which hide from view 

A host of daring thoughts that scorn the wise — 

And wandering love, fresh arrows, as he flies, 

Infixing still — and hatreds fierce, though few ! 

An eve serene and still, my soul, sore tried 

With earthly warfiire, courts. My youth, adieu ! 

But not adieu forever. Yet again, 

I trust to meet — to dwell in thee — not vain. 

And frail, and fallen, as now, but born anew, 

Stainless, redeemed, immortal, glorified ! 

DEATH OF ROBERT BRUCE. 

Mr. Robert Bruce, the morning before he 
died, being at breakfast, having, as he used, taken 
an egg, said to his daughter, " I think I am yet 
hungry ; you may bring me another egg." But 
having mused awhile, he said, " Hold, daughter, 
hold, my Master calls me!' With these words his 
sight failed him ; on which he called for the 
Bible, and said, '' Turn to the eighth chapter of 
he Romans, and set my finger on the words, — 
I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, &c., 
shall be able to separate me from the love of 
God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord.'" 
When this was done, he said, " Now is my fin- 



44 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

ger upon them 1" Being told that it was, he 
added, *' Now, God be with you, my dear chil- 
dren : I have breakfasted with you, and shall 
sup with my Lord Jesus Christ this night ;" and 
then he expired. — Whitecrosss Anecdotes. 

THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

There is a healing in the bitter cup. God 
takes away or removes from us those we love, as 
hostages of our fa,ith (if I may so express it) ; 
and to those who look forward to a re-union in 
another world, where there will be no separation 
and no mutability, except that which arises from 
perpetual progressiveness, the evening of life 
becomes more delightful than the morning, and 
the sunset offers brighter and lovelier visions than 
those which we build in the morning clouds, and 
which appear before the strength of the day. 
And faith is that precious alchemy which trans- 
Butes grief into joy ; or, rather, it is the pure and 
heavenly euphrasy, which clears away the film 
from our mortal sight, and makes affliction appear 
what it really is, a dispensation of mercy. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 45 

GOD'S MERCY. 
The mercy of God is a huge ocean ; from eter- 
nal ages it dwelt round about the throne of God, 
and it filled all that infinite distance and space that 
hath no measures but the will of God ; until God, 
desiring to communicate that excellency, created 
angels, that he might have persons capable of huge 
gifts ; and man, who he knew would need forgive- 
ness. For so the angels, our elder brothers, dwelt 
for ever in the house of their Father, and never 
broke his commandments ; but we, the younger, 
like prodigals, forsook our P'athers house, and 
went into a strange country, and followed stranger 
courses, and spent the portion of our nature, and 
forfeited all our title to the family, and came to 
need another portion. For, ever since the fall of 
Adam, who, like an unfortunate man, spent all 
that a wretched man could need, or a happy man 
could have, our life is repentance, and forgiveness 
is all our portion ; and though angels were 
objects of God's bounty, yet man only is, in pro- 
per speaking, the object of his mercy; and the 
mercy that dwelt in an infinite circle became 
confined to a little ring, and dwelt here below ; 
and here shall dwell below, till it hath carried all 



46 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

God's portion up to heaven, where h shall reign 
in glory upon our crow^ned heads for ever and 
ever ! — Jeremy Taylor. 

THE GOODNESS OF GOD THE SOLACE OF THE AGED. 
See how old age spoils the relish of outward 
dehghts, in the example of Barzillai, 2 Sam. xix. 
35; but it makes not this (the graciousness of 
God) distasteful. Therefore the Psalmist prays, 
that when other comforts forsake him and wear 
out, when they ebb from him, and leave him on 
the sand, this may not : that still he may feed on 
the goodness of God. " Cast me not off in old 
age, forsake me not when my strength faileth." 
It is the continual influence of his graciousness 
that makes them grow like "cedars of Lebanon," 
that makes them " bring forth fruit in old age, and 
to be still fat and flourishing; to show that the 
Lord is upright," as it is there added, that he is 
(as the word imports) still like himself, and his 
goodness ever the same. — Leighton. 

THE WHOLE FAMILY IN HEAVEN KET> EARTH. 
" The whole family in heaven and earth." 
The difference betwixt us and them is, not that 
we are really two, but one body in Christ, in 



h 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 47 

divers places. True, we are below stairs, and 
they above ; they in their holiday, and w^e in 
our working-day clothes ; they in harbor, but we 
in the storm ; they at rest, but we in the wilder- 
ness ; they singing, as crowned with joy, we 
crying, as crowned with thorns. But we are all 
of one house, one family, and are all children of 
one Father. — Bunyan. 

PSALM OF LIFE. 

Tell me not in mournful numbers, 

Life is but an empty dream 1 
For the soul is dead that slumbers, 

And things are not what they seem. 

Life is real ! Life is earnest ! 

And the grave is not its goal ; 
" Dust thou art, to dust returnest," 

Was not spoken to the soul. 

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, 

Is our destined end or way ; 
But to act, that each to-morrow 

Find us farther than to-day. 

Art is long, and Time is fleeting. 

And our hearts, though stout and brave, 

Still, like muffled drums, are beating 
Funeral marches to the grave. 



48 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

In the world's broad field of battle, 

In the bivouac of Life, 
Be not like dumb, driven cattle I 

Be a hero in the strife ! 

Trust no Future, however pleasant ! 

Let the dead Past bury its dead ! 
Act ; — act in the living Present ! 

Heart within, and God o'erhead ! 

Lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives subHme, 
And, departing, leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time. 

Footprints, that perhaps another, 

Saihng o'er hfe's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother. 

Seeing, shall take heart again. 

Let us, then, be up and doing, 

With a heart for any fate ; 
Still achieving, still pursuing, 

Learn to labor and to wait. Longfellow, 

Things to remember. — JBe often remembering 
what a blessed thing it is to be saved, to go to 
heaven, to be made hke angels, and to dwell with 
God and Christ to all eternity. — Bunyan. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 49 

SANCTIFICATION. 

In the sanctified heart, " every mountain is 
brought low, and every valley is filled." Every- 
thing within us which exalts itself in the pride 
and love of nature, is cast out or abased. 

And again, in the sanctified soul " every valley 
is filled," by being occupied with God and with 
Jesus Christ only. It is a great truth, that God 
does not and cannot fill the soul with himself, 
until he first empties it of everything which is 
not himself The mountain, which may be 
regarded as another name for the exaltation of 
nature, must first be brought low, and must be 
cast out. And into this void or valley, w^here a 
man may be said to possess himself without him- 
self, God enters and fills it up. Truth takes the 
place of error. Holy dispositions take the place 
of unholy dispositions ; and God, who embodies 
in himself all truth and all holiness, and who 
always creates that immortal image which bears 
his own likeness, can never be absent where true 
and holy dispositions exist. In such dispositions, 
of which he is the true hght and hfe, he not only 
is, but must be. Without God in them, they 
cannot exist. They are God's home. 



50 THE E V E xN I N G OF L I F E. 

The subjection of human selfishness by holy 
love, and the subjection of the human will by 
union with the divine will ; — it is these which 
constitute a truly renovated nature, and which, 
because they thus constitute the same nature 
with Christ's nature, may be said to make Christ 
iDithin us. Christ, in some future years, will 
come visibly in the clouds of heaven. Oh ! let 
us labor for his present coming ; not for a Christ 
in the clouds, but for a Christ in the affections; 
not for a Christ seen, but for a Christ felt; not 
for a Christ outwardly represented, but for a 
Christ inwardly realised. — Madame Guyon. 

PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION. 
O Holy Spirit, a Spirit of love ! let me ever 
be subjected to thy will ; and as a leaf is moved 
before the wind, so let my soul be influenced and 
moved by the breath of thy wisdom. And as the 
mpetuous wind breaks down all that resists it, 
even the towering cedars which stand m opposi- 
tion ; so may the Holy Ghost, operating within 
me, smite and break down everything which 
opposes him. — Madame Guyon. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 51 

DYING WORDS OF PAYSON. 
Dr. Payson in his last illness once said : " I 
have suffered twenty times, — yes, to speak within 
bounds, twenty times as much as I could in being 
burnt at the stake, while my joy in God so 
abounded, as to render my sufferings not only 
tolerable, but welcome. The sufferings of this 
present time are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory that shall be revealed. God is my all 
in all. While he is present with me, no event 
can in the least diminish my liappiness ; and 
were the wdiole world at my feet, trying to min- 
ister to my comfort, they could not add one drop 
to the cup." On another occasion he said, 
" Death comes every night and stands at my bed- 
side in the form of terrible convulsions, every one 
of which threatens to separate the soul from the 
body. These continue to grow worse and worse, 
until every bone is almost dislocated with pain, 
leaving me with the certainty that I shall have it 
all to endure again the next night. Yet w hile 
my body is thus tortured, the soul is perfectl}^ 
happy, perfectly happy and peaceful, more happy 
than I can possibly express to you. I lie here, 
and feel these convulsions extending higher and 



52 THE EVENING OF 'LIFE. 

higher, but my soul is filled with joy unspeakable. 
I seem to swim in a flood of glory, which God 
pours down upon me." — Paysons Life. 

THE AFFLICTED BELIEVER. 
We may compare an afflicted beUever to a 
man that has an orchard laden with fruit, who, 
because the wind has blown off* the leaves, sits 
down and weeps. If one asks, " What do you 
weep for I" " Why, my apple leaves are gone." 
'' But have you not your apples left V " Yes." 
" Very well, then do not grieve for a few leaves 
which could only hinder the ripening of your 
fruit." — Cecil 

BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. 
I HAVE before me two stones, which are an imi- 
tation of precious stones. They are both perfectly 
alike in color ; they are of the same water, clear, 
pure, and clean ; yet there is a marked difference 
between them as to their lustre and brilliancy. 
One has a dazzhng brightness, while the other 
is dull, so that the eye passes over it, and derives 
no pleasure from the sight. What can be the 
reason of the difference \ It is this : the one is 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 63 

cut in but a few facets ; the other has ten times 
as many. These fa9ets are produced by a very 
violent operation. It is requisite to cut, to 
smooth, and pohsh. Had these stones been 
indued vvath hfe, so as to have been capable of 
feehng what they underwent, the one which has 
received eighty facets, would have thought itself 
very unhappy, and would have envied the fate of 
the other, which, having received but eight, had 
undergone but a tenth part of its sufferings. 
Nevertheless, the operation being over, it is done 
for ever ; the difference between the two stones 
always remains strongly marked ; that which has 
suffered but little, is entirely eclipsed by the other, 
which alone is held in estimation and attracts 
attention. May not this serve to explain the 
saying of our Saviour, whose words have 
reference to eternity ? " Blessed are those who 
mourn, for they shall be comforted," — blessed, 
whether we contemplate them apart, or in com- 
parison with those who have not passed through 
so many trials. Oh ! that we were always able 
to cast ourselves into his arms, like little children ; 
to draw near to him, hke young lambs, and ever 
to ask of him, patience, resignation, an entire 



54 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

surrender to his will, faith, trust, and heartfelt 
obedience to the commands which he gives to 
those who are wiUing to be his disciples. " The 
Lord will wipe away tears from off all faces.'* 
— Oherlin. 

PEACE OF MIND. 

A FRIEND once asked Prof. Francke, who^ 
founded the Orphan- house at Halle, how he main- 
tained so constant a peace of mind ; the benevo- 
lent and good man replied, — " By stirring up my 
mind a hundred times a day. Wherever I am, 
whatever I do, I say, — ' Blessed Jesus, have I 
truly a share in thy redemption ? Are my sins 
forgiven ? Am I guided by thy spirit \ Thine 
1 am — wash me again and again.' By this 
constant converse with Jesus I have enjoyed 
serenity of mind, and a settled peace in my soul." 

PRAYER OF THE AGED. 

But while from one extreme thy power may keep 

My erring frailty, 0, preserve me still 
From dullness, nor let cold indifference steep 

My senses in oblivion : if the thrill 
Of earthly bliss must sober, as it will 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 55 

And should, when earthly things to heavenly yield, 
T would have feelings left time cannot chill ; 

That while I yet can walk through grove or field, 
I may be conscious there of charms by thee revealed. 

And when I shall, as soon or late I must, 
Become infirm, in age if I grow old. 

Or sooner, if my strength should fail its trust. 
When I relinquish haunts where I have strolled 

At morn or eve, and can no more behold 
Thy glorious works, forbid me to repine ; 

Let memory still their loveliness unfold 
Before my mental eye, and let them shine 

With borrowed light from thee — ^for they are thine. 

Barton. 

True Wealth. — The wealth of a man is the 
number of things which he loves and blesses, 
which he is loved and blessed by. — Carlyle. 

Effects of Grace. — The dispensation of 
grace is to some little more than a continual 
coQibat with corruptions ; so that, instead of 
advancing, a man seems to be just able to pre- 
serve himself from sinking. A boat, with the full 
tide against it, does well if it can keep from driv- 
ing back, and must have strong force indeed to 
get forward. We must estimate grace by the 
opposition it meets with. — CeciL 



56 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 



THE AGED COMFORTER. 

Tis true tliat more than fourscore years have bowed thy beauty 

low, 
And mingled with thy cup of life full many a dreg of woe ; 
But yet thou hast a better charm than bloom of youth hath 

found — ' 
A balm within thy chastened heart to heal another's wound. 

Sigourney. 



ANECDOTE OF DR. COGSWELL. 

An affecting anecdote is related of Dr. Cogs- 
well, a faithful minister in Hartford, Conn., who 
died at the age of eighty-nine. It shows " the 
ruling passion strong in death." During his last 
illness he forgot his dearest friends, and even his 
own name. When asked if he remembered his 
son (with whom he lived, and to whom he was 
much attached), he replied, " I do not recollect 
that ever I had a son ;" but when asked if he 
remembered the Lord Jesus Christ, he revived at 
once, exclaiming, " Oh ! yes, I do remember him ; 
he is my God and my Redeemer !" 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 57 

THE FLIGHT OF TIME. 

The dial-plate warns you that minutes are fleeting, 
Each pulse but wears out the heart that is beating ; 
Each tick of the clock is ever repeating — 
" Up and be doing ! for Night draweth on !" 

Knickerbocker [Mag^ 

TRUST IN GOD. 
Examples of the loving-kindness of God to his 
aged servants have been recorded in his word for 
our learning; that believers, if God by his provi- 
dence should bring them to old age, might be 
encouraged to trust in the God of Abraham, 
Isaac, and Jacob, with such a confidence of their 
hearts as not to doubt of the divine truth or of 
the divine power. Whatever he was to them, 
he is the same to us — our God as well as theirs 
— our covenant God, engaged to glorify both 
body and soul : on whom we are commanded to 
cast all our cares and concerns in extreme old 
age. If what is of nature be failing, what is of 
grace cannot. If the life of sense be dying, the 
life of faith should flourish the more. It is a life 
that cannot die; for the branches thrive and 
bring forth fruit in their old age, not of them- 

4 



68 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

selves, but because they are ingrafted into the 
heavenly vine, in which they hve for ever. " I 
am the vine (says Jesus), ye are the branches ; 
he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same 
bringeth forth much fruit : for without me ye can 
do nothing." But through his spirit strengthen- 
ing you, he will make you bud and flourish, and 
fill the face of the world with fruit. He will so 
fill you with the fruits of righteousness, which 
are through Christ Jesus, to the glory and praise 
of God, that your last days will be your best 
days. — Romaine. 

SAYINGS OF JOHIsr NEWTON. 

Two or three years before the excellent John 
Newton's death, when his sight was become so 
dim, that he was no longer able to read, an aged 
friend and brother in the ministry called on him, 
to breakfast. Family prayer succeeding, the por- 
tion of Scripture for the day was read to him. 
\i was taken from Bogatzky's Golden Treasury: 
" By the grace of God I am what I am." It 
was the pious man's custom, on these occasions, 
to make a short famihar exposition of the pass- 
age read. After the reading of this text, he 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 59 

paused for some moments, and then uttered the 
following affectmg soliloquy : — " I am not what I 
ought to be. Ah ! how imperfect and deficient. 
I am not wdiat I icish to be. I abhor what is 
evil, and I would cleave to what is good. I am 
not wdiat I hope to be: soon, soon I shall put off 
mortahty, and with mortality all sin and imper- 
fection. Yet though I am not what I ought to 
be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, 
I can truly say I am not what I once was, — a 
slave to sin and Satan ; and I can heartily join 
with the apostle, and acknowledge, ' By the 
grace of God I am what I am.' Let us pray." — 
Whitecross Anecdotes. 

THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE. 

The Christian's fellowship wdth God is rather 
a habit than a rapture. He is a pilgrim who has 
the habit of looking forward to the light before 
him ; he has the habit of not looking back ; he 
has the habit of walking steadily in the way 
whatever be the weather, and w^hatever the road. 
These are his habits, and the Lord of the w^ay 
is his Guide Protector, Friend, and Felicity. — 
Cecil. 



60 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE LAND OF BEULAH 

Were I to adopt the figurative language of 
Bunyaii, T might date this letter from the land 
of Beulah, of which I have been for some weeks 
a happy inhabitant. The celestial city is full in 
my view. Its glories beam upon me, its breezes 
fan me, its odors are wafted to me, its sounds 
strike upon my ears, and its spirit is breathed 
into my heart. Nothing separates me from it 
but the river of death, which now appears but an 
insignificant rill, that may be crossed at a single 
step, wdienever God shall give permission. The 
sun of righteousness has been gradually drawing 
nearer and nearer, appearing larger and brighter 
as he approached, and now he fills the whole 
hemisphere, pouring forth a flood of glory, in 
which I seem to float like an insect in the beams 
of the sun ; exulting, yet almost trembUng while 
I gaze on this excessive brightness, and wonder- 
ing, with unutterable wonder, why God should 
deign thus to shine upon a sinful worm. A sin- 
gle heart and a single tongue seem altogether 
inadequate to my wants : I want a whole heart 
for every separate emotion, and a whole tongue 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 61 

to express that emotion. — Pay son. {Letter to a 
sister.) 

Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe 
in God, believe also in me. In my Father's 
house are many mansions : if it were not so, I 
would have told you. I go to prepare a place 
for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, 
I will come again and receive you unto myself; 
that where I am, there ye may be also. — John 
xiv. 1, 2, 3. 

THE BRUISED REED. 
" A BRUISED reed will he not break." Perhaps 
the imagery may be derived from the practice of 
the ancient shepherds, who were wont to amuse 
themselves with the music of a pipe of reed or 
straw ; and when it was bruised they broke it, 
or threw it away as useless. But the bruised 
reed shall not be broken by this divine shepherd 
of souls. The music of broken sighs and groans 
is indeed all that the broken reed can afford him : 
the notes are but low, melancholy, and jarring ; 
and yet he will not break the instrument, but he 
will repair and tune it, till it is fit to join in the 



62 THE EVENING OP LIFK. 

concert of angels on high ; and even now its 
humble strains are pleasing to his ears. — Pres. 



n 



'avies. 



THE SHORE OF TIME. 
Alone I walked the ocean strand ; 
A pearly shell was in my hand : 
I stooped and wrote upon the sand 
My name — the year — the day. 
As onward from the spot I passed 
One lingering look behind I cast : 
A wave came rolling high and fast, 
And washed my lines away. 

And so, methought, 'twill shortly be 
With every mark on earth from me ; 
A wave of dark oblivion's sea 
Will sweep across the place, 
Where I have trod the sandy shore 
Of time, and been to be no more ; 
Of me — my day — the name I bore, 
Nor leave nor track, nor trace. 

And yet, with Him who counts the sands, 

And holds the waters in his hands, 

1 know a lasting record stands 

Inscribed against my name, 

Of all this mortal part has wrought ; 

Of all this sinking soul has thought ; 

And from these fleeting moments caught 

For glory, or for shame. — Hannah F, Gould. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 63 

SAINTS OF DIFFERENT DEGREES. 

God has saints of several degrees, and some 
of them have more communion with him than 
others; from among the multitude he chose 
tw^elve to be w^ith him ; from among the twelve 
he chose three, Peter, James, and John, who 
were of the privy council ; from among the three 
he chose out John, as his bosom-favorite, of 
whom it is said five times in John's gospel, 
that " he was the disciple whom Jesus loved!' 

So now, at this day, God has his " babes," who 
Uve upon milk ; he has " children " also, who 
know their Father, and are assured of his love ; 
moreover, he has his " young men," who go out 
to war, and fight the Lord's battles victoriously ; 
and he has " fathers " in Israel, who abound in 
grey-headed experience and wisdom ; for they 
knew him from the beginning, and they remem- 
ber his words. It is a great mercy to be one of 
God's " little ones," yea, the least of all, to be a 
star, though not of the first magnitude; to be a 
disciple, though not a John ; not one of the three, 
nor one of the twelve, nor one of the seventy. It 
is a mercy to be new-born, to be taken into the 
family of God, and household of faith. But to 



64 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

grow up to a perfect stature, to be a man in 
Christ Jesus! O how great a mercy! Lord, 
thou knowest my desires ; perfect that which 
concerns thy servant, yea, that which concerns 
all thy servants. — Bogatzky, 

We have not a high-priest who cannot be 
touched wdth the feehng of our injfirmities, but 
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet with- 
out sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the 
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and 
find grace to help in time of need. — Heh. 
iv. 15, 16. 

THE FATHER'S DEATH. 

There are children round their father's bed, 

And his last farewell is given — 

There's joy in their grief — a blessing shed, 

At once from their sire and heaven. 

Deep is the peace that reigns around, 

"Where the faithful in his faith is crowned, 

For the Holiest of holies is o'er his bed^ — 

The Spirit of him who wakes the dead. — Stebhing. 

STUDY OF THE BIBLE. 
If thou complainest nothing remains on thy 
memory, therefore thou think est as good to give 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. G5 

over reading as thus continually to pour water into 
a sieve ; this should rather put thee on a more 
frequent study of the Scripture, than discourage 
thee from it. A vessel set under the fall of a 
spring cannot leak faster than it is suppUed 
Scripture truths, w^hen they do not enrich the 
memory, may yet purify the heart. Such is the 
irresistible force of the word, the Spirit often 
darts it through us as it seems but a flash of 
lightning, and it is gone ; yet it may melt our 
hard hearts when it leaves no impression on our 
memories. — Bishop Hopkins. 



TRUST IN GOD. 

" By thy grace 
The particle divine remained unquenched ; 
And 'mid the wild weeds of a motored soil, 
Thy bounty caused to flourish deathless flowers 
From Paradise transplanted ; wintry age 
Impends ; the frost will gather round my heart ; 
If the flowers wither, I am worse than dead ! 
Come, labor, when the worn-out frame requires 
Perpetual sabbath ; come, disease and want, 
And sad exclusion through decay of sense ; 
But leave me unabated trust in thee — 
And let thy favor, to the end of life, 



66 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Inspire me with ability to seek 

Repose and hope among eternal things — 

Father of heaven and earth ! and I am rich, 

And will possess my portion in content." — Wordsworth, 



Consolation for Sufferers. — If your Lord 
call you to suffering, be not dismayed; there 
shall be a new allowance of the King for you, 
when ye come to it : one of the softest pillows 
Christ hath is laid under his witnesses' head, 
though often they set down their feet among 
thorns. — Rutherford. 

AFFLICTION THE POETIOJST OF THE SAINTS. 

It is not wisdom for us to think that Christ 
and the gospel will come and sit down at our 
fireside : nay, but we must go out of our warm 
houses, and seek Christ and his gospel. We 
must set our face against whaj, may befall us, in 
following on through the briers. Our soft nature 
would be borne through the troubles of this 
miserable world in Christ's arms; and it is his 
wisdom, who knoweth our mould, that his chil- 
dren go wet- shod and cold-footed to heaven. 
Oh ! how sweet a thing it were for us to learn 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 67 

to make our burdens light, by framing our hearts 
to the burden, and making our Lord's will a 
law ! I find Christ and his cross not so ill to 
please, nor yet such troublesome guests as men 
call them : ere long, our Master will bring this 
whole world out before the sun and daylight, in 
their blacks and whites. Happy are they who 
are found watching ; our sand-glass is not so 
long as we need to weary ; time will eat away 
and root out our woes and sorrow; our heaven 
is in the bud, and growing up to an harvest. 
Why then should we not follow on, seeing our 
span-length of time will come to an inch 1 
Therefore I commend Christ to you as the staff 
of your old age ; let him now have the rest of 
your days. 

Think not much of a storm upon the ship that 
Christ saileth in ; there shall no passenger fall 
overboard, but the crazed ship and the sea-sick 
passengers shall come to land safe. — Ruthe?ford. 

The days of our years are threescore years 
and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be 
fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and 
sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 



68 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

. . . So teach us to number our days, that 
we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalm 
xc. 10, 12. 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the 
Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he know 
eth our frame ; he remembereth that we are 
dust. — Psalm ciii. 13, 14. 

WhOxM the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and 
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. — Heh. 
xii. 6. 

THE Al^GEL OF PATIENCE. 

To weary hearts, to mourning homes, 

God's meekest angel gently comes : 
No power has he to banish jDain, 

Or give us back our lost again ; 
And yet in tenderest love, our dear 

And Heavenly Father sends him here. 

There's quiet in that angel's glance ; 

There's rest in his still countenance ! 
He mocks no grief with idle cheer. 

Nor wounds with words the mourner's ear ; 
But ills and woes he cannot cure, 

He kindly trains us to endure. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 69 

Angel of Patience ! sent to calm 

Our feverish brows with cooling palm ; 

To lay the storms of hope and fear, 
And reconcile life's smile and tear ; 

The throbs of wounded pride to still, 
And make our own our Father's will. 

Oh ! thou who mournest on thy way, 

With longings for the close of day ; 
He walks with thee, that angel kind. 

And gently whispers, ^*Be resigned: 
Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell 

The dear Lord ordereth all things w^ell !" 

e7. G. Whither. 

Loss OF Children. — Let your children be as 
flowers borrowed from God ; if the flowers die 
or wither, thank God for a summer's loan of 
them, and keep good neighborhood, to borrow 
and lend with him. — Rutherford. 

HOPE AMID TRIALS. 

Let my Lord Jesus weave my span-length ol 
time with white and black, weal and woe, as 
warp and woof in one web ; and let the rose be 
neighbored with the thorn ; yet Hope that 
maketh not ashamed, hath written a letter t6 the 



70 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

mourners in Zion, that it shall not be long so. 
When we are over the water, Christ shall cry 
down crosses, and hell, and death, and sin, and 
sorrow, and up glory, life, joy for evermore. In 
this hope I sleep quietly ; and would sleep so, 
were it not the noise of the devil, and sin's feet, 
and the cries of an unbelieving heart awaken 
me ; but for the present, I have nothing whereof 
I can accuse Christ's cross. — Rutherford. 

THE BELIEVER'S DEATH. 

Though a believer may have his darkness, 
doubts, and fears, and many conflicts of soul, 
while on his dying bed, yet usually these are all 
over and gone, before his last moments come. 
From the gracious promises of God to be with 
his people even unto death ; and from the Scrip- 
tural accounts of dying saints ; and from the 
observations I have made through the course of 
my life, I am of opinion that generally the people 
of God die comfortably; their spiritual enemies 
being made to be as still as a stone, while they 
pass through Jordan. — Gill, 

As a man that takes a walk in his garden, and 
spying a beautiful full-blown flower, crops it and 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 71 

puts it into his bosom, so the Lord takes his 
walks in his gardens, the churches, and gathers 
Jiis hhes, souls fully ripe for glory, and with 
delight takes them to himself — GilL 

Prayer. — Sometimes, perhaps, thou hearest 
another Christian pray with much freedom and 
fluency, while thou canst hardly get out a few 
broken words. Hence, thou art ready to accuse 
thyself and to admire him ; as if the gilding of 
the key made it open the door the better. — 
GurnalL 

NAOMI— THE WIDOW. COMFORTED. 

The book of Ruth is a delightful narrative. 
Its charming simplicity, its interesting allusions 
to the customs of a remote age, its delineations of 
character so fresh and hfelike, its sweet pathos, 
and the pure and lofty sentiments which it 
breathes, have ever made it a favorite with all 
readers of taste and feeling. Many are the points 
of interest which it suggests, but our present 
purpose confines us to the evidence it furnishes 
that Jehovah is the widow's God. 

This narrative shows that, through all the 
changes of Naomi's lot, even when the clouds 



72 THE EVENING OF L J F E . 

lowered most darkly, she was never forsaken. 
Each successive trial only served to reveal more 
clearly the power and mercy of her fathers' God 
Let, then, the sorrowful widow, whose tearful eye 
may trace these pages, and she, especially, whc 
in life's decline, treasures in her heart the mourn- 
ful memory of one early loved but too early lost, 
derive strength and comfort from this record of 
God's faithfulness and compassion. 

Naomi is now in a strange land, whither a 
famine in her own country had forced her family. 
It is a land of spiritual darkness, and she is far 
from the home of her childhood ; but her husband 
is with her, and we may believe that, leaning 
upon him, she cheerfully endures the pains of 
exile. And they hope, perhaps, ere long to return 
to their beloved Judea. 

But who can foresee the clouds that may darken 
the future I In their happy home the voice of 
anguish is at length heard. Naomi sits '' beneath 
the shadow of a great affliction." She is a 
widow. Her staff is broken. The light of her 
dwelling is quenched. Who of her kindred shall 
weep with her? Who direct her to Abraham's 
God ? She is sad and desolate. And yet Naomi 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 73 

is not alone. He who had promised to be the 
husband of the widow is with iier. He sus- 
tained her, and opened new sources of support 
and happiness. 

Time passes on, and her children, the thought 
of whose helplessness had, perhaps, deepened her 
grief, become the helpers of her joy. The silence 
of the inspired record, makes it proper to infer 
that, by their marriage with the daughters of the 
land, they were not enticed away from the God of 
their fathers, as she might have feared would be 
the case. The touching scene of her departure 
from the land of Moab, shows that a strong 
attachment existed between herself and her 
daughters-in-law. Their society and assistance 
contributed to her happiness. Thus was God 
fulfilling, in her experience, the promises he has 
made to his children. 

But another and terrible trial awaits her. Her 
husband is no more, and now her sons follow^ 
him. • Three widows are mourning beneath the 
same roof. Now does Naomi's cup of bitterness 
overflow. She can no longer stay in this valley 
of Achor ; and though in going, she must leave 
the graves of her husband and sons, yet every 



74 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

object opens her wounds afresh, and she sighs for 
her native land, where her kindred dwell, and 
where the true God is worshipped. She hears, 
too, that " the Lord has visited his people in 
giving them bread/' Sad indeed is her condition, 
but "as her day is, such is her strength." She 
summons up courage to return. 

And now the three lonely widows are on their 
way to Bethlehem. Perceiving in the mind of 
at least one of her daughters-in-law, sadness at 
quitting her native land, Naomi, with a noble 
disinterestedness united with a degree of self- 
abandonment, such as deep affliction sometimes 
produces, urges their return. "It grieveth me 
much for your sakes," is her language, " that the 
hand of the Lord is gone out against me." In 
this she manifests a pious recognition of God's 
hand in her afflictions, attended with a sad 
feehng of desolation, which makes her almost 
careless of her own future lot. She would be 
willing to pursue her journey alone. The future 
is dark, and how can she be so selfish as to wish 
to sadden their younger hearts by uniting their 
fortunes with hers I "A ffliction follows me like 
a shadow," she seems to say, — "then go, my 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 75 

daughters, wlusre the sun may shine bright upon 
your path." 

And yet she can but have trembled for the 
decision. Will they abandon me, a helpless 
stranger, to pursue my solitary way ? This w^as 
a dark hour for Naomi. The clouds had been 
gathering around her, one by one, till she was 
enwrapped in the deepest gloom. 

But the widow's God was with her, and he 
moved the heart of the gentle, affectionate, pious 
Ruth, to cleave to her mother-in-law. How 
beautiful then shone forth from out the gloom of 
those doubtful moments, the deep, pure, holy 
love, which made that daughter so ready to for- 
sake sister, and people, and country, for the sake 
of Naomi and Naomi's God. And what a 
touching proof was this of the Almighty's gra- 
cious remembrance of the widow in her affliction. 
The light of love that here beamed forth so 
brightly upon poor Naomi's darkness, illumined 
all the rest of her pilgrimage. Then were these 
two hearts knit together by the strongest and 
holiest ties. 

The two travellers have reached Bethlehem, 
and here Naomi's grief opens afresh. What 



76 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

thoughts rushed into her mind ? Through these 
gates, and along these streets, and from out that 
house, had gone forth a whole family — com- 
panions in exile, — but she alone returns, a widow 
and childless ! And when the citizens of the 
place, deeply moved at her coming, said, " is this 
Naomi !" she said to them, " Call me not Naomi, 
pleasant, — call me Mara, hitler, — for the Almighty 
hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out 
full, and the Lord hath brought me home again 
empty ; why, then, call ye me Naomi, seeing the 
Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty 
hath afflicted me V 

Does the Lord leave her to these melancholy 
thoughts ? No. Brighter days are before her. 
The two widows dwell in the city of Naomi's 
youth, and gather their humble living in accord- 
ance with the simple customs of the land, and 
the merciful provisions of Israel's God. Here, 
among friends, the sadness that had so long rested 
upon her spirit was in a measure removed, and 
when Ruth returned one evening laden with the 
fruits of a very successful gleaning in the field of 
Boaz, and told her mother-in-law the name and 
kindness of their benefactor, Naomi's heart broke 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 77 

forth in gratitude and praise ; — " Blessed be lie of 
the Lord, who has not left off his kindness to 
the hving and the dead." 

And now the day of joy begins to break, and 
the shadows to flee away. From this hour may 
she, the long sorrow-stricken widow, date Some 
of her happiest days. That benefactor in the 
harvest-field was a near kinsman, a man of 
wealth, and influence, and generous disposition, 
and God inclined his heart tenderly and w^armly 
towards Ruth. There was, doubtless, a fascina- 
tion, for such a man, in her simple, gentle, modest 
demeanor, and in her self-sacrificing affection for 
Naomi, which, with the sympathy he felt in the 
sorrows of both, made him her vvilhng captive. 

Soon, the humble gleaner in the harvest-field 
— the poor Moabitish stranger — becomes the 
honored and beloved wife of the rich, the noble 
Boaz ; and beneath his roof, Naomi, who had 
wished to be called Mara for the bitterness of 
her grief finds her heart singing for joy. And 
when at length a son was born of Ruth, and '' she 
took it, and laid it in her own bosom, and became 
its nurse," she must have responded with all her 
heart to the kind and devout expressions of the 



78 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

women, — " Blessed be the Lord, who hath not 
left thee this day without a kinsman, that his 
name may be famous in Israel. And he shall 
be unto thee a restorer of ihy life, and a nourisher 
of thine old age ; for thy daughter-in-law, which 
loveth thee, who is better to thee than seven 
sons, hath borne him." 

Here at last, after so many wanderings and 
trials, the good Naomi finds a peaceful home for 
the evening of her days. Now she can see that 
God had always been mindful of her, even when 
her course was the most dark and crooked. 
Having sufficiently tried her in the furnace, he 
has brought her forth into a ''wealthy place" — 
yea, her last days, which she had feared would 
be her saddest, are the most richly fraught with 
blessing. 

And there was mercy towards her which she 
never knew on earth. Could she have looked 
through her tears forward to coming ages, and 
have seen that from the son fondled in her arms, 
and born of that daughter brought from Gentile 
]\[oab, was to spring the mighty David, and his 
greater son, the Messiah, she would have blessed 
God for all the windings of her pilgrimage, and 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 70 

have ever felt that in her afflictions even, not 
Mara, but Naomi, was her most fitting name. 

Let the widow — soUtary and aged — her hus- 
band gone — her children, it may be, resting by 
his side, confirm her faith and hope by Naomi's 
history. Let her catch in this an insight into the 
mysteries of providence. Let her learn to "trust 
where she cannot trace," and remember that 
what she knows not now of God's designs in 
her afflictions, she shall know hereafter if she be 
his child, and that what to her short, dim vision 
may seem cause only for sorrow and distrust, 
may be intimately connected, in the plan of infi- 
nite wisdom, with purposes of mercy to herself 
and others. God's purposes ripen every hour, 
not only when the sun of prosperity is shining, 
but when the rains descend, and the winds blow, 
and the heart fails through fear. Paradise shall 
unfold them in glorious perfection. 

LIVE BY THE DAY. 

I AM at present, through mercy, in perfect 

health, but it becomes me to live with the Lord 

hy the day, and to carry my life in my hand, 

leaving to-morrow with the Lord. At all times 



so THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

we are little aware what the next day may bring 
forth, but at my advanced age everything is more 
and more precarious from day to day. I am in 
continual expectation of being either called away 
or laid aside. I may perhaps still Hve some 
years, and the Lord is so gracious to me in all 
my concerns, that none can have less reason to 
be weary of living, excepting for the body of in- 
dwelling sin. My part is only to wait, and to 
pray that I may at last be found ready. The 
how, when, and where belong to him. Yes, the 
Lord pours contempt upon our proud boastings. 
— John Newton, (Aged Pilgrim's Triumph.) 



CHRIST AN ALMIGHTY SAVIOUR. 

I HAVE been enabled to commit my soul to 
him who says, " him that cometh I will in no wise 
cast out," and "who is able to save to the utter- 
most!' These two texts have been as two sheet- 
anchors, by which my soul has rode out many a 
storm, when otherwise hope would have failed. 
" In no wise " takes in all characters, and " to the 
uttermost" goes many a league beyond all diffi- 
culties. I recommend these anchors ; they are 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 81 

sure and steadfast. — Jofm Newton, in his seven 
tieih year. (Aged Pilgrims Triumph.) 

DEPENDANCE ON CHRIST. 
New washing, renewed application of pur- 
chased redemption, by that sacred blood that 
sealeth the free covenant, is a thing of daily and 
hourly use to a poor sinner. Jesus who cleanseth 
and cureth the soul must be our song on this side 
of heaven's gates ; and even when we have won 
the castle, then must we eternally sing, " Worthy 
is the Lamb who hath saved us and washed us 
in his own blood." — Rutherford. 

SKETCH OF MRS. B. OF B. 
A POET has beautifully asked, " Hath not life 
an Indian summer V and well may we answer in 
the affirmative, when w^e see an aged disciple of 
Christ, who, having patiently suffered w^ith him, 
is now wahing in cheerful trust to be glorified 
with him. As the rays of the morning sun 
illuminate our earth before his rising, so the bliss 
which awaits such a Christian in his Father's 
house on high, casts forward its rays to allure 
him upwards, and to show what that glory 
must be, whose faintest glimmerings amid 

5 



82 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

pain and sorrow, shed such a halo around 
him. 

Mrs. B. was a beautiful example of that class 
of Christians who enjoy in their last days a fore- 
taste of eternal glory. Her lot in hfe had ever 
been a humble one. Peace and plenty had 
crowned her youth and middle Hfe ; and even 
down to grey hairs, when friend and acquaint- 
ance, husband and many children, had been 
taken from her, there still were left an affectionate 
son and daughter to comfort her and to provide 
for her wants. But when past fourscore years, 
it pleased God in a sudden and painful manner 
to remove both from her si^ht. She was left 
alone — childless and a widow, with scanty means 
of support. The faithful, pious daughter, upon 
whose arm she had leaned, was first taken. 
Aside from the loss itself, the circumstances of 
the bereavement were peculiarly trying. For 
months had the mother been deprived of her 
society and aid, while she, the tempted and 
suffering one, was confined in a lunatic asylum. 
And there did she die, away from her home. 
Then that aged mother turned to her son, her 
only surviving cliild. He was poor and burdened 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 83 

with a large family, but lie was iier son, and if lie 
could not supply all her wants, he could sympa- 
thize with her. But in a few days, while he was 
absent from home, she received word that he had 
suddenly sickened and died among strangers, and 
that she was left with his widow and six helpless 
little ones to look to God for bread. 

It was under these circumstances that I 
accompanied her pastor to her dwelling. We 
ascended softly the narrow winding stairs, and 
knocked at the unpainted door. Tears were in 
my eyes : 1 had no word to say to one passing 
through such deep waters, and had only come to 
*^ weep with her." A cheerful voice answered 
our knocking, and we entered, but not to witness 
a picture of sorrow. The aged pilgrim rose, and 
with the aid of her staff came forward to meet 
ns. Looking over her spectacles to recognise 
me, she soon saw that I was a stranger. On 
being told the name of her new^ visitor, she gave 
a cordial greeting, then looking out anxiously on 
the deep snow, she said, " You surely did not 
walkV When told that we did, she seemed 
overcome with gratitude, and thanked us again 
and again for thinking of her. 



84 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

The faded gown, which doubtless her own 
hands had w^oven in the days of her strength, the 
broad frilled cap of the coarsest cloth, the bowed 
form and the deeply furrowed face, the pleasant 
smile which seemed to have no right there 
(because I, in my ignorance, imagined thatw^iere 
there was affliction there must be deep gloom), 
all these made upon my mind an impression 
which can never be effaced. 

She conversed freely and cheerfully with her 
pastor; she spoke of Christ; how merciful he 
was, and how increasingly precious to her soul. 
She mentioned the children of God, "spoke of 
their love to one another, and particularly of their 
tenderness to herself, a poor unworthy one among 
them. She repeated the names of all who had 
called upon her in her affliction, and said that 
her stock of food was replenished before the last 
w^as gone, and that her fire had never been suf- 
fered to go out for want of fuel. " And now," 
she said, " I will let you see a letter I have 
received, which will show that the tender mer- 
cies of God are still around me." She rose, and 
leaning with one hand, on her staff, reached a 
letter from a shelf above her, which she placed 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 85 

in licr pastor's hand, with a request that he would 
read it aloud. Blessed pilgrim ! every reading 
of that short epistle by friends who called to visit 
her, was to her a fresh confirmation of the truth 
of the rich promises on which she had so long 
relied. It was only a line from the superinten- 
dent of the insane hospital wiiere her daughter 
had died; but it contained what to her pious 
heart was more than ajl the riches of earth, a 
statement that the afflicted one had become fully 
rational before her death, and had left earth with 
most triumphant joy. 

The aged saint hstened with a smile till the 
reading was finished, and then said, " When 
I first heard of my daughter's death, it was late in 
the afternoon. I had been eagerly waiting to 
hear that she was restored to her reason, and 
could again take care of her poor feeble mother. 
I had no word to say ; I knew it w^as all right ; 
and, although I did not then know any of the 
circumstances which now afford me so much 
comfort, I did leave her in His hands who does 
all things well. Still, it was a great stroke, and 1 
thought I should not be able to sleep all night for 
thoughts of her. But I w^as mistaken: I went to 



86 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

bed early, as is my custom, and soon fell into a 
quiet sleep, which was not broken till the sun 
awoke me, shining in my face. This had not 
happened before for years, as my infirmities often 
keep me awake for hours. " it is so," she said, 
smiling; *'*liegiveth his beloved sleep.' When 
1 did awake, my heart was full of praise to God 
for all his mercies to me. Since this letter came, 
and I find that my prayers have been answered for 
my child, my heart is full, and when I cannot sleep, 
he givetli me ' songs in the night' Sometimes I 
get impatient to be gone, and, as I can do nothing 
for God, and am only a trouble to others, I won- 
der why I am kept here." Her pastor reminded 
her that our Heavenly Father, after having 
accomplished the great work of conforming the 
will of a Christian to his ow^n will, may keep 
him still on earth for an example to others, that 
weaker Christians, as well as those who know 
not God, may see the power of his grace. He 
said he believed that she was still among the 
living, in order that her placid and even cheerful 
temper amid severe and repeated afflictions, might 
glorify God. " I never thought of that before," 
she said, while a smile which cannot be de- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 87 

scribed, lighted up her face. " I will try to be 
patient till his time comes." Thus she talked of 
heaven and of going home, as we do upon every- 
day topics. And she did not wait, as some do, to 
change the countenance and tone of voice. Hers 
was the religion of love and cheerful submission, 
and prayer and praise were the natural breathings 
of her heart. When asked what was the prin- 
cipal evidence of her adoption, she reflected a mo- 
ment, and then said with animation, " Ob, Jesus is 
so precious I" "But were you always as free 
from doubts and desponding fears as you now 
are V " Oh ! no, no, " she quickly replied ; " in 
the earlier part of my Christian hfe, whenever I 
sinned, I went a long time mourning and doubt- 
ing, before I could feel an evidence of forgive- 
ness ; but now, when T have sinned, and I lose my 
joy, I look right to Christ. Then my peace is 
restored. I know more of Christ now than I did 
in those days." 

There was in her room a w^ant of many things 
necessary for the comfort of one so feeble, and 
feeling that it would be an honor to perform the 
humblest service for one so like my blessed Mas- 
ter, I invited her to spend a few days at my 



88 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

house. I thought I might, by proper care, lessen 
her sufferings, and in the meantime cleanse tiie 
dingy walls of her chamber, and add some 
articles of comfort to her little home. She grate- 
fully but modestly declined my invitation, and 
w^hen I pressed her still further, promising her a 
fire in her sleeping room, and many other atten- 
tions, she seemed pained at my earnestness, and 
saw that she must assign a reason for not grant- 
ing my request. Putting on an expression pecu- 
liarly her own, she said, " When you expect 
company whom you have long been urging to 
come to your house, you never go out, do you ? 
Well, I am looking anxiously every night for my 
Master, and when he comes, I wish him to find 
me at home watching !" Her reason was satis- 
factory, and I ceased striving to allure her from 
the humble abode made sacred by the frequent 
visits of Him whom her soul loved. 

Blessed w^oman ! She watched for his com- 
ing, as those who watch for the morning ; nor 
were her vigils long kept in vain. Those faded 
eyes shall watch no more, having long ago seen 
the King in his beauty. That longing heart 
shall pant no more for holiness, for she is now 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 89 

satisfied, liaving awaked in His likeness. How 
glorious for her the change ! The hoary head, 
which here pressed the humble pillow through 
long nights of weariness and pain, wears now the 
starry crown of the redeemed in the land where 
there is no more night ; the faltering limbs, which 
here almost refused to bear their burden, now 
stand in new strength upon Mount Zion, and 
walk the golden streets of the new Jerusalem ; the 
palsied hand, which strove in vain to supply her 
few wants below, now strikes the chords of her 
golden harp to the praise of the Lamb. She is 
gone from among those who felt it a high privi- 
lege to give her even a cup of water in the name 
of Christ, but her memory is still fragrant among 
them, and it is hoped that this imperfect sketch 
of one who was honored with special grace, may 
invite others to strive after that close communion 
with heaven, which rendered a humble child of 
jrod so conspicuous for piety, and which enabled 
icr to '' bear fruit in old age." — X D. C. 

EMBLEM OF A DEPARTING SAINT. 

A CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun, 
A gleam of crimson tinged its braided snow ; 

5# 



90 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Long had I watched the glory moving on 

O'er the still radiance of the lake below : 
Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow, 

E'en in its very motion there was rest, 
While every breath of eve that chanced to blow 

Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west. 
Emblem, methought, of the departed soul. 

To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given, 
And by the breath of mercy made to roll 

Right onward to the golden gates of heaven ; 
Where to the eye of faith it peaceful lies. 

And tells to man his glorious destinies. 

Songs for the Sabbath, 

THE DEATH OF BELIEVERS. 
Christian believers die " in the Lord." They 
are now in him as the branch is in the vine ; 
and he is now in them by his Holy Spirit. To 
this he alludes in the following passage : '' He that 
abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth 
forth much fruit." The union of the soul and 
body is dissolved by death ; but the union of the 
soul to Christ remains unbroken in that solemn 
hour. Then the believer cleaves to him with 
purpose of heart ; and he cleaves to the believer in 
mercy and love. This sacred union with Jesus, 
wjien the soul is departing hence, is the greatest 



THE EVENIiNG OF LIFE. 91 

blessing that can be enjoyed in that awful hour. 
It secures to the behever the support of the 
almighty Saviour ; it fills his soul with holy joy ; 
it strengthens his hope ; it brightens his prospects ; 
it gives him the victory. Such a death is truly 
happy ; and is more to be desired than all the 
wealth and power of this world of shadows. — 
Edmondson. 

Dr. Payson, when racked with pain and near 
to death, exclaimed, " Oh, what a blessed thing 
it is to lose one's will! Since I have lost my 
will, I have found happiness. There can be no 
such thing as disappointment to me, for I have 
no desire, but that God's will may be ac- 
complished." 

"LET ME GO, FOR THE DAY BREAKETH." 

Let me go, tlie day is breaking, 

Eartlily scenes are fading fast ; 
Joys that were my heart awaking, 

Hopes and fears are with the past. 
Earthly visions now are darkUng, 

And the city's golden glow 
Gleams before me, pure and sparkling, 

In the distance — let me cfo ! 



92 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Angel hosts, resplendent shining, 

Wait me at the river's side, 
And mj eager heart is pining 

But to meet them on the tide. 
I can see the life-founts gushing, 

I can hear their silvery flow ; 
JoySj-a countless throng, are rushing 

On my spirit — let me go ! 

He, the wounded, the forsaken, 

In the death-hour sore dismayed, 
All my grief and fear has taken. 

All my debt of sin has paid. 
I can see his God-like brightness, 

Through the form he wore below, 
On a throne of dazzhng whiteness. 

And he calls me — let me go. 

Friends, the early loved, the cherished, 

Parted from our paths like dew. 
With the mortal have not perished — 

I behold them pure and true ; 
Lovelier in that far dominion, 

E'en than when we loved them so : 
And they stand with drooping pinion 

To enfold me — let me go ! 

Lay me gently on my pillow. 

Weary are my thorn-pierced feet ; 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 93 

Christ lias calmed that boisterous billow, 

And the rest beyond is sweet. 
Could ye share the glorious vision, 

Ye would not detain me so ; 
Now the homeward gales Elysian 

Woo my spirit — let me go ! 

Central Christian Herald, 

The Bible. — The new convert, dazzled over 
its pages vv^ith the ecstasy of his new^-found hope, 
yet cannot as deeply and ardently love it, as he 
will do when a grey-headed patriarch, years 
after, he turns afresh its wondrous leaves, to adore 
the ever-full freshness of its lessons, and to re- 
member all the lights it has cast upon his weary 
pathway. — W. R. Williams. 

There are silver books, and a very few golden 
books : but I have one worth more than all, 
called the Bible; and that is a book of bank- 
notes. — Newton. 

TRUST IN GOD. 

With the Patriarch's joy 
Thy call I follow to the land unknown ; 
I trust in thee, and know in whom I trust : 
Or life or death, is equal : neither weighs ; 
All weight in this — oh, let me hve to theci ! — Young. 



94 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S PROSPECT. 
The best prospect, when faith is in exercise, 
is before us, especially to those who are far 
advanced in years. I am now old, and I know 
not the day of my death ; and can it be that I am 
within a few years, perhaps months, or weeks, of 
joining in the songs and sharing in the joys of 
those who are now before the throne ? that I 
may expect soon to see my Saviour without a 
veil, face to face, in all his glory, and in all his 
love ? Tf so, why am I thus ? Why am I no 
more affected and enlivened by this blessed hope, 
which, finally, as it impresses me, I would not 
part with for a thousand worlds I Alas ! a body 
of sin and unbelief weighs me down. So, when 
a bird with a stone tied to its foot attempts to fly, 
the weight pulls it back, and it flutters its wings 
in vain. Oar life is safely hid with Christ in 
God, but it will be a life of warfare while we 
continue here ; let us fight on : the Captain of 
our salvation is near. See ! he holds the prize 
in view ! Hark ! he speaks, and says, " Be thou 
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown 
of life ! " — Johi Newton. (Aged Pilgrim's Tri- 
umph?) 



the evening of life. 95 

The Believer awaiting the Coming of 
Christ. — Persuade yourself the King is coming. 
Read his letter sent before him, '' Behold, I come 
quickly :" Wait vs^ith the wearied night-watch, 
for the breaking of the eastern sky, and think 
that ye have not a morrow ; as the wise father 
said, who being invited against to-morrow to dine 
with his friends, answered, " Those many days I 
had no morrow at all." — Rutherford. 

THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN THE SUFFERINGS OF 
HIS DISCIPLES. 

In whatever aspect we view it, the love of 
Christ is marvellous. The word of God affirms 
that it passeth knowledge, and no Christian has 
ever fathomed it. When we contemplate it as 
moving the Saviour to visit the earth, and die 
upon the cross for his enemies, we are led to 
exclaim. Was there ever love hke this ? 

But, perhaps, the course of discipline to which 
the Redeemer subjects his disciples, in maturing 
them for heaven, affords, in some respects, the 
most touching proof of his love. In order to 
effect their complete purification, they need to be 
cast into the furnace, to fee^ the flames of afflic- 



96 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

tion kindling about them. This is a painful, 
often an excruciating process, especially as it 
tends to awaken the latent iniquity of the heart, 
and occasions inward conflicts between nature 
and grace, the most violent and distressing. In 
the midst of the fires the disciple cries out, "My 
sufferings are greater than I can bear !" or, per- 
haps, " My hope is gone ! " 

Where, now, is the Saviour during these pain- 
ful experiences, extended, it may be, through long 
years 1 Is it thus he manifests his love to his 
chosen ones, or has he forgotten to be gracious ? 
Why does he not quench these flames ? Why 
not heed these mournful cries ? Love is the an- 
swer; yes, love more than human; love so pure 
and strong, as to silence for the time the sugges- 
tions of mere sympathy ; love that longs to behold 
its own bright and beauteous image in the person 
of a disciple, and that can stand by and bear to 
see that beloved, ransomed one enduring more 
than tongue can express, while the dross is 
vanishing in the furnace. Yes, tried and fearful 
soul, your Saviour is ever near you, he looks upon 
you, he loves you, he is touched wdth the feeling 
of your infirmity, Ije sympathizes with every 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 97 

groan you utter, for you are a member of his own 
body, and he well remembers the anguish of his 
own heart when on earth ; but his love looks 
beyond the present moment to future years, to 
the hour of death, to heaven, and resolves to do 
for you what shall inconceivably augment your 
holiness and your bliss eternally. His love kin- 
dles the fire, and keeps it burning, but when the 
dross shall be consumed, and your spirit meek 
and quiet " like a weaned child," oh, with what 
double rapture will he draw you from the fur- 
nace, fold you in his arms, and smile upon you 
with a look that will reveal something of 
heaven ! And as you review all the trials you 
have endured, you will say. It was all of love. 
Yes, the time will come when you will regard 
every stroke as given in mercy, and bless God 
that there was not one less. Human love is not 
equal to this. It is blind and feeble. It is some- 
times untrue, by reason of its frailty. But 
Christ's love never faileth. It infinitely trans- 
cends all human infirmity. It can bear to be 
considered for a time coldness and desertion, for 
it looks to the believer's ultimate and exceeding' 



98 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

greater good, and well knows that the future will 
reveal its true intent and heavenly purity. 

The godly sow in tears and reap in joy. Tiie 
seed-tune is commonly waterish and lowering. 
I will be content with a w^et spring, so I may be 
sure of a clear and joyful harvest. — Bishop Hall. 

The two Wonders. — " Two things," says 
Pearce, " are matter of daily astonishment to me 
— the readiness of Christ to come from heaven to 
earth for me ; and my backwardness to rise from 
earth to heaven for him." 

TO AN AFFLICTED LADY. 
When ye are come to the other side of the 
water, and have set down your foot on the shore 
of glorious eternity, and look back again to the 
waters, and to your wearisome journey, and shall 
see in that clear glass of endless glory, nearer to 
the bottom of God's wisdom, you shall then be 
forced to say : If God had done otherwise with 
me than he hath done, I had never come to the 
enjoying of this crow^n of glory. It is your part 
now to believe, and suffer, and hope, and w^ait 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 99 

on ; for I protest in the presence of that all-dis- 
cerning eye, who knoweth what I write, and 
what I think, that I would not want the sweet 
experience of the consolations of God, for all the 
bitterness of affliction ; nay, whether God come 
to his children with a rod or a crown, if he come 
himself with it, it is well ; welcome, welcome, 
Jesus, what may soever then come, if w^e can get 
a sight of thee. And sure I am, it is better to be 
sick, providing Christ come to the bed-side and 
draw the curtains, and say, " Courage, I am thy 
salvation," than to enjoy health, and never to be 
visited of God. — Rutheiford. 

It is enough that the Lord hath promised you 
great things ; only let the time of bestowing them 
be in his own carving. It is not for us to set an 
hour-glass to the Creator of time. — Rutherford. 

THOUGHTS OF HEAVEN. 
I AM a stranger here below, my home is above. 
Yet I can think too well of these foreign vanities, 
and cannot think enough of my home. Surely 
that is not so far above my head as my thoughts; 
neither doth so far pass mc in distance as in 



100 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

comprehension ; and yet I would not stand so 
much upon conceiving, if I could admire it 
enough : but my strait heart is filled with a httle 
wonder, and hath no room for the greatest part of 
glory that remaineth. O God, what happiness 
hast thou prepared fctr thy chosen ! What a 
purchase was this, worthy of the blood of such a 
Saviour ! As yet I do but look towards it afar 
off, but it is easy to see by the outside how 
goodly it is within ; although, as thine house on 
earth, so that above, hath more glory within than 
can be bewrayed by the outer appearance. The 
outer part of thy tabernacle here below is but an 
earthly and base substance, but within it is 
furnished with a living, spiritual, and heavenly 
guest ; so the outer heavens, though they be as 
gold to all other material creatures, yet they are 
but dross to thee ! Yet how are even the out- 
most walls of that house of thine beautified with 
glorious lights, whereof every one is a world for 
bigness and as a heaven for goodliness ! O teach 
me by this to long after and wonder at the inner 
part, before thou lettest me come in to behold it ! 
— Bishop Hall. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 101 

LOOKING HEAVENWARD. 

The golden palace of my God 

Towering above the clouds I see : 
Beyond the cherubs' bright abode, 

Higher than angels' thoughts can be. 
How can I in these courts appear 

Without a wedding-garment on ? 
Conduct mo, thou Life-giver, there, 

Conduct me to th]^ glorious throne ! 
And clothe me with thy robes of light, 

And lead me through sin's darksome night, 
My Saviour and my God ! 

The righteous shall flourish like the palm- 
tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord 
shall flourish in the courts of our God. They 
shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; they shall 
be fat and flourishing, to show that the Lord is 
upright : he is my rock, and there is no unright- 
eousness in him. — Psalm xcii. 12-15. 

Death is the friend of grace and the enemy 
of nature. — Dodd. 



102 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

mFANCY, YOUTH, AND AGE. 

Our infancy is full of folly ; youth, of disorder 
and toil; age, of infirmity. Each time hath his 
burden, and that which may justly work our 
weariness. Yet infancy longeth after youth, and 
youth after more age, and he that is very old, as 
he is a child for simplicity, so he would be for 
years. I account old age the best of three ; 
partly, for that it hath passed through the folly 
and disorder of the others ; partly, for that the 
inconveniences of this are but bodily, with a bet- 
tered estate of the mind ; and partly, for that it is 
nearest to dissolution. There is nothing more 
miserable than an old man that would be young 
again. It was an answer worthy the commenda- 
tions of Petrarch, who, when his friend bemoaned 
his age appearing in his white temples, telling 
him he was sorry to see him look so old, replied, 
" Nay, be sorry rather that I was ever young, to 
be a fool." — Bishop Hall. 

DAYS GONE BY. 

Though we charge to-daj with fleetness, 

Though we dread to-morrow's sky, 
There's a melancholy sweetness 

In the name of days gone by. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 103 

Yes, though Time has laid his finger 

On them, still with streaming eye 
There are spots where I can linger, 

Sacred to the days gone by. 

Oft as memory's glance is ranging 

Over scenes that cannot die, 
Then I feel that all is changing, 

Then I weep the days gone by. 

Sorrowful should I be, and lonely, 

Were not all the same as I, 
'Tis for all, not my lot only, 

To lament the days gone by. 

Cease, fond heart, — to thee are given 

Hopes of better things on high, 
There is still a coming heaven, 

Brighter than the days gone by. 

Faith lifts off the sable curtain, 

Hiding huge eternity ; 
Hope accounts her prize as certain, 

And forgets the days gone by. 

Love in grateful adoration 

Bids distrust and sorrow fly. 
And with glad anticipation 

Calms regret for days gone by. — Tupper, 



104 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE HAPPINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN. 

There is no man so happy as the Christian. 
When he looks up into heaven, he thinks, 
" That is my home ; the God that made it and 
owns it is my Father ; the angels, more glorious 
in nature thaii myself, are my attendants ; mine 
enemies are my vassals." Yea, those things 
w^hich are the terriblest of all to the wicked, are 
most pleasant to him. When he hears God 
thunder above his head, he thinks, " This is the 
voice of my Father." When he remembereth 
the tribunal of the last judgment, he thinks, "It 
is my Saviour that sits in it." When death 
comes, he esteems it but as the angel set before 
paradise, which with one blow admits him to 
eternal joy. And, which is most of all, nothing 
in earth or hell can make him miserable. There 
is nothing in the world worth envying but the 
Christian. — Bishop Hall. 



LESSON OF CONTENTMENT. 
^ ^ ^ Look in on Bunyan in the dungeon. 
It is, perhaps, an hour of solitude and sadness. 
He sees through the grating the quivering leaf 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 1 Oo 

and the green hedge. Thej are free to breathe 
the unfettered air, and to bask beneath the open 
sky. He is shut up. He sees the herds roaming 
at their will unconfined, and hears the call of the 
bird as it soars and sings, and sees perhaps some 
godless sportsman whom he knows amongst his 
scorners and persecutors, merry and unquestioned 
on his way afield. Equipages roll past. Rank, 
and beauty, and wealth, and learning, adorn their 
tenants. Does he envy the quivering leaf, and 
the air-swept hedge, and the uncaged lark, or 
begrudge the hunter his sports, or the rich, and 
gay, and wise, their enjoyment of life I They 
have the goods of earth. Some have vegetable 
life, and the others animal life, and the others 
intellectual life, but he has spiritual hfe. In his 
dungeon he is the Lord's freeman. In his 
oppression, and penury, and lowly ignorance, he 
is visited, and taught, and comforted of God. 
And in that lonely prisoner, tagging his laces, or 
thumbing the martyr's sad, glad story, or bowed 
over his Bible, you have seen the happiest, 
greatest, wisest, and safest man of them all. — W 
R, Williams. 

6 



106 THE EVENING OF LIFE 

THE DESERTED HOMESTEAD. 

Gloom is upon thy lonely hearth, 

silent house ! once filled with mirth ; 
Sorrow is in the breezy sound 

Of thy tall poplars whispering round. 

The shadow of departed hours 
Hangs dim upon thine early flowers ; 
E'en in thy sunshine seems to brood 
Something more deep than solitude. 

Fair art thou, fair to strangers' gaze, 
Mine own sweet home of other days ! 
My children's birth-place ! yet for me 
It is too much to look on thee 1 

Too much, for all about thee spread, 

1 feel the memory of the dead. 
And almost hnger for the feet 

That never more my step shall meet. 

The looks, the smiles, all vanished now. 
Follow me where thy roses blow ; 
The echoes of kind household words 
Are with me midst thy singing birds. 

Till my heart dies, it dies away 
In yearnings, for what might not stay ; 
For love which ne'er deceived thy trust, 
For all which went with " dust to dust." 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 107 

"What now is left me but to raise 
From thee, lone spot ! my spirit's gaze, 
To lift, through tears, my straining eye 
Up to my Father's house on high ? 

Oh, many are the mansions there. 
But not in one hath grief a share ! 
No haunting shades from things gone by 
May there o'ersweep the unchanging sky. 

And they are there, whose long-loved mien 
In earthly home no more is seen ; 
Whose places where they smiling sate. 
Are left unto us desolate. 

We miss them when the board is spread, 
We miss them when the prayer is said. 
Upon our dreams their dying eyes 
In still and mournful fondness rise. 

But they are where these longings vain 
Trouble no more the heart and brain ; 
The sadness of this aching love 
Dims not our Father's house above. 

Ye are at rest, and I in tears, 
Ye dwellers of immortal spheres ! 
Under the poplar boughs I stand. 
And mourn the broken household band. 

But by your life of lowly faith. 
And by your joyful hope in death, 



108 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Guide me, till on some brighter shore 
The severed wreath is bound once more. 

Holy ye were, and good, and true ! 

No change can cloud my thoughts of you ; 

Guide me like you to live and die, 

And reach my Father's house on high ! — Hemans. 

THE AGED SAINT A WITNESS FOR GOD. 

The Christian laden with years and infirmity 
often wonders why he is permitted to outhve, as 
he thinks, his usefulness. As he sits in his lonely 
chamber, he asks himself with sadness, " What 
good am I doing \ for what purpose am I spared V 

Aged disciple, be assured that your heavenly 
Father must have some wdse design in your 
continuing to live, or you would not be alive. 
It is he that prolongs your days, and he does 
nothing in vain. 

But we may easily perceive important respects 
in which a child of God can exert a happy 
influence, even in extreme old age. 

He is a powerful witness for the truth and 
value of religion. The unbeliever may scornfully 
point to the young convert rejoicing in the glow 
of his early love, and say, In a few months this 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 109 

ardent love will cool into indifference or positive 
disregard, — religion is a mere transient impulse. 
In reply, we will bid him look to that aged pil- 
grim w4io, with advancing years, clings to the 
religion of Christ with a firmer and more confid- 
ing grasp, and an ever growing conviction of its 
truth ; and who, when perhaps the trace of all 
else has been effaced from the mind, still remem- 
bers Christ, and weeps at the very mention of his 
name. Yes, that poor widow, in her humble 
cottage, bowed beneath a load of years, but 
trustful, and joyfully longing for iier change to 
come, is a mighty witness for God. Her quiet 
influence is powerful through all the circle of her 
acquaintance. It silences the sceptic, it confirms 
the faith of the doubting. 

And when to length of years, we add the 
trials, disappointments, and bereavements, which 
in long and perhaps quick succession have been 
the pilgrim's lot, and find that amid them all, his 
confidence in God has remained unshaken, his 
love to the Saviour unabated, and that the " hope" 
which had dawned upon the spring-time of his 
life, shines still undimmed in old age, growing 
brighter unto the perfect day, we may well 



110 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

believe that a religion which bears such fruit is 
indeed divine. 

Besides the testimony to the truth and value 
of religion by so long a continuance in the faith 
of Christ, there may be the present daily witness 
of a patient submission to the will of God under 
pains and infirmities. The saint may glorify 
God, not only by doing, but by suffering his will ; 
by standing still, or lying passive in his hands ; 
by being wiUing to be set aside from those 
active labors which had long been his delight, 
and to he and to do nothing, if God so ordain ; 
by calmly, meekly waiting his w^ill, whether to 
live or die. These are the most difficult and 
sublime achievements of faith ; and these are 
often the blessed fruits of pious old age. 

Was it in vain that John Newton and Rowland 
Hill passed the limit of fourscore years, when 
their old age exhibited such a heavenly piety, 
breathed forth such a spirit of trust in God ? 
Aged saint, be patient, submissive, cheerful, and 
you live not in vain. 

What maturity of experience can the aged pil- 
grim bring to the edification and comfort of the 
saints 1 He may be no longer a soldier in active 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. Ill 

service, but as a veteran retired from the field, 
covered perhaps with honorable scars, he can 
recount his spiritual conflicts, how he feared 
defeat and found relief, and how worthy and 
mighty is the Captain of salvation. As a way- 
worn pilgrim, he can tell of the City of Destruc- 
tion, of the Slough of Despond, of the terrible 
Mount Sinai, of Bye-Path Meadow, of Doubting 
Castle, of the fierce Apollyon, of the Valley of 
HumiUation, and the Valley of the Shadow of 
Death ; and he can also tell of the good Evange- 
list, of the blessed Cross, of the House of the 
Interpreter, and the House Beautiful, of the 
Sword of the Spirit, of the Delectable Mountain, 
and the Land Beulah. 

Aged pilgrim, you can talk, as the younger 
cannot, of the faithfulness of a covenant God in 
answering prayer, fulfilling promises, delivering 
from temptation and danger. You can say, " I 
have been young and now am old ; yet have I 
not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed 
begging bread." Your tremulous voice can sing 
in strains such as the young Christian cannot 
reach, of the preciousness of the Redeemer, of his 
tenderness and long-suffering, of the infinite free- 



112 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

ness and fulness of his redemption, and of the 
power of his blessed intercession. You can 
speak of victories where he can mention little 
more than conflicts ; and you can tell him how 
he too may triumph through grace. You can 
best explain the secret of peace and joy in 
Christ, for your experience has taught you to 
pass beyond and above your sins and your 
doings, at once and unreservedly to him. 

Blessed be God, that he permits his churches 
to possess such witnesses for the truth and excel- 
lence of the gospel, — such guides to the inexpe- 
rienced. With firmer and more joyful steps we 
run the race set before us, cheered onward by 
such a cloud of witnesses who are ahead of us in 
the course, and who have almost attained the 
goal and the crown. 

And there is one w^eapon which even the pal- 
sied arm of age may wield, the weapon oi prayer. 
In the use of this, to which he has been so long 
accustomed, the aged saint may do much for the 
cause of God. If his frail body cannot reach the 
sanctuary, his devout spirit may soar to the 
Throne, and bring thence to earth the choicest 
blessings. With his fervent petitions, heard by 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 113 

no ear but God's, uttered perhaps in the silence 
of night, eternity may show that the most glo- 
rious results were connected. 

Therefore, aged pilgrim, while you live, pray, 
for while you pray you hve. Your season of 
usefulness is not ended. God, your Father, loves 
you, and for the sake of his dear Son he will not 
suffer one of your pious thoughts or aspirations 
to fall to the ground. He will treasure them up, 
and in the great day when his jewels are gather- 
ed in, an assembled universe shall know every 
sigh you breathed in secret for the cause of 
Christ ; and it shall receive a large reward 
through grace. You live, therefore, because your 
work on earth is not yet done. That ended, and 
you shall be released. 

TESTIMONY OF AN AGED CHRISTIAN 
(near the 60th year of her age). 
I LEAVE it as my testimony that God has been 
a father to the fatherless, a husband to the widow, 
the stranger's shield, and orphan's stay. Even 
to hoar years and old age he has carried me, and 
not one good ivord has failed of all that he 
has promised. ' He has done all things well,' 



114 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

and at this day I am richer and happier than 
ever I was in my hfe. Not that T am yet made 
free from sin ; that is still my burden ; — want of 
love and gratitude, indolence in commanded 
duty, self-will and nestUng in the creature. But 
my heart's vvish and earnest desire is conformity. 
The bent of my will is for God ; and if my heart 
deceive me not, my God is the centre of my best 
affections. This God is my God. He will 
guide me even unto death, through death, and be 
my portion through eternity. — Isabella Graham. 

The Aged and Experienced Christian. — 
There is not a nobler sight in the world than the 
aged and experienced Christian, who, having 
been sifted in the sieve of temptation, stands 
forth as a confirmer of the assaulted, — testifying 
from his own trials the reality of religion ; and 
meeting by his warnings, and directions, and 
consolations, the cases of all those who may be 
tempted to doubt. — Cecil. 

OLD AGE. 

The scathed and leafless tree may seem 

Old age's mournful sign, 
Yet on its bark may sunshine gleam, 

And moonlight softly shine. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 115 

Thus on tlie cheek of age, shall rest 

The hght of days gone by, 
Calm as the glories of the west, 

When ni2:ht is drawinof nio^h. 

As round the scathed trunk fondly clings 

The ivy, green and strong. 
Repaying, by the grace it brings, 

The succor granted long ; 

So round benevolent old age 

May objects yet survive. 
Whose greenness can the heart engage, 

And keep the soul alive. — Barton, 

The Cross of Christ. — The light of the 
sun is always the same, but it shines brightest to 
us at noon; the Cross of Christ was the noon- 
tide of everlasting love — the meridian splendor 
of eternal mercy. — M'Laurin, 

THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS. 
Holiness, wherever seen, has its own heaven- 
ly beauty, outshining all the glory of the world. 
In man it is the reflection of God's own excel- 
lence, for he is " glorious in holiness." Its light 
is kindled at the Throne. It is that which 



116 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

adorns the angels and makes heaven glorious. 
And to vs^hatever has a grace of its own, this 
imparts new lustre, or if aught have in itself no 
attraction, this can hide its deformity and make 
it beautiful. There is a charm in intellectual 
power, but, bj high pre-eminence, 

How beautiful is genius when combined 
With hohness. 

There is an unseeuiliness in mental dulness and 
ignorance, which awakens pity or contempt ; yet 
even here, holiness may so brightly shine, the 
graces of the Spirit be so conspicuous, that we 
cannot but look on with admiration and wonder. 
And how soon, we think, will that stupid 
intellect sweep through the realm of truth and 
light with a seraph's power, and outstrip, it may 
be, many that now soar far beyond it 

But, though holiness have such intrinsic beauty, 
and confer such glory on all who possess it, so 
that they become '-sons of God," being " partakers 
of his hohness," yet it awakens different kinds 
and degrees of interest, according to the aspects 
under which we view it. 

Piety in very early childhood, refining the soul 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 117 

from natural defilement, unfolds a soft pleasing 
grace, as if a flower of Paradise were opening 
here below its first unstained beauty, to show 
what human nature would have been, had not 
sin debased it. 

Piety exhibits another beauty, as the Spirit 
lays his hand of gentle violence upon the youth- 
ful heart, taming its wild bounding passions w^hich 
loved to roam at large in quest of pleasure, and 
lifting it upwards in calm contemplation to 
heaven. 

When religion sanctifies manhood, it developes 
yet another beauty. Then it is seen in its 
manly proportions, revealing the beauty of 
strength and symmetry, of noble devotion to the 
cause of God amid difficulty and self-denial. 

But, in some of its aspects, holiness assumes 
its loveliest channs, when associated wdth old 
age. It is then seen, not indeed in the fair spring 
of its early promise, or in the sunnner of its 
brightest sunshine, but in the autumn of its ripe, 
clustering vintage. It sheds around the soft 
mellow light of evening, when the bustle and 
glare of day are over. It does not so much excite 
our wonder, as win our love. It presents a quiet 



118 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

beauty — a picture of calm heavenly peace 
Outv^ard beauty perhaps is faded, the eye is dim, 
the voice unmusical, the forehead deeply furrowed 
with the traces of care and toil, the form bent 
beneath the burden of years, the step feeble and 
uncertain, and the countenance bereft of its once 
beaming expressiveness. But love has its seat 
there, and faith and hope, ornaments of grace, 
shining now in their own native lustre, borrowing 
little from adventitious charms. The aged saint 
often exhibits in richest perfection those quiet 
graces, which, though less showy, are more 
difficult of attainment, of finer quality, and more 
heavenly maturity, than those active endowments 
in which grace is often largely blended with and 
obscured by nature, and which therefore more 
attract the admiration of the world. It demands 
an " eye for the beautiful " in grace, an eye of 
spiritual discernment, to love holiness for its own 
sake, and when associated with natural infirmi- 
ties or deformities. Holiness in old age displays 
itself not in a bold energy of thought and action, 
not in deeds of pious daring, but in a way yet 
more sublime, in a calm, patient, cheerful sub- 
mission to God's will amid pain and infirmity ; in 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 119 

communion with liim, and meditation upon his 
word ; in believing his promises, and hoping unto 
the end. These are achievements, whose glory 
throws into the shade many of the deeds w^hicli 
the world applauds. The very feebleness and 
decaying beauty of age make holiness appear the 
more glorious, while we see it giving vigor to 
weakness, cheerfulness to grief, and hope to the 
certain prospect of death. There is the power 
of religion, the victory of faith. There is grace 
magnified, and God glorified. There we see 
the pilgrim, way-worn and weary, waiting at the 
threshold to hear the voice of his Father bidding 
him enter into rest. There is one almost 
redeemed from the corruptions of earth, and soon 
to wear a crown, and be a companion of angels. 
Behold his childlike faith. He lies down to 
sleep in the arms of his Saviour, hoping that the 
next light that breaks upon his vision may be 
that of eternity. 

Barzillai. — And Barzillai came down from 
Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to 
conduct him over Jordan. Now Barzillai was a 
very aged man, even fourscore years old : and he 



120 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

had provided the kmg of sustenance vi^hile he lay 
at Mahanaira: for he was a very great man. 
And the king said onto Barzillai, Come thou 
over with me, and I will feed thee with me in 
Jerusalem. And Barzillai said unto the king, 
How long have I to live, that I should go up 
with the king unto Jerusalem ? I am this day 
fourscore years old : and can I discern between 
good and evil l can thy servant taste what I eat 
or what I drink ? can I hear any more the voice 
of singing-men and singing-women ? wherefore 
then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my 
lord the king ! Thy servant will go a little way 
over Jordan with the king: and why should the 
king recompense it me with such a reward ] 
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, 
that I may die in mine own city, and be buried 
by the grave of my father and my mother. But 
behold thy servant Chimham ; let him go over 
with my lord the king ; and do to him what shall 

seem good unto thee And all the 

people went over Jordan. And when the king 
was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and 
blessed him : and he returned unto his own 
place. — 2 Sam. xix. 31-39. 



THE E V E iN I N G OF LI F E. 121 



THE CYPRESS OF CEYLON. 

[John Batuta, the celebrated Mussulman traveller of the 
fourteenth century, speaks of a cypress tree in Ceylon, univer- 
sally held sacred by the natives, the leaves of which were said 
to fall only at certain mtervals, and he who had the happiness 
to find and eat one of them, was restored at once to youth and 
vigor. The traveller saw several venerable Jogees or saints, 
sitting silent and motionless under the tree, patiently awaiting 
the falling of a leaf.] 

They sat in silent watchfulness 

The sacred cypress tree about, 
And, from beneath old wrinkled brows, 

Their failing eyes looked out. 

Grey age and sickness waiting there, 

Through weary night and lingering day- 
Grim as the idols at their side, 
And motionless as they. 

Unheeded in the boughs above, 

The song of Ceylon's bird was swett ; 

Unseen of them, the island flowers 
Bloomed brightly at their feet. 

O'er them the tropic night-storm swept, 
The thunder crashed on rock and hill ; 

The cloud-fire in their eyeballs blazed, 
Yet there thev waited still ! 



122 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

What was the world without to them ? 

The Moslem's sunset call — the dance 
Of Ceylon maids — the passing gleam 

Of battle-flag and lance ? 

They waited for that falling leaf, 
Of which the wondering Jogees sing ; 

Which lends once more to wintrj age 
The greenness of its spring. 

Oh ! if these poor and blinded ones 
In trustful patience wait to feel, 

O'er torpid pulse and failing limb, 
A youthful freshness steal ; 

Shall we, who sit beneath that tree, 
Whose healing leaves of hfe are shed, 

In answer to the breath of prayer. 
Upon the waiting head : 

Not to restore our failing forms, 

And build the spirit's broken shrine, 

But, on the fainting soul to shed 
A light and hfe divine : 

Shall we grow weary in our watch. 
And murmur at the long delay ? 

Impatient of our Father's time, 
And his appointed way ? 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 123 

Or, shall the stir of outward things 

Allure and claim the Christian's eye, 
When on the heathen watcher's ear 

Their powerless murmurs die ? 

Alas ! a deeper test of faith 

Than prison cell or martyr's stake, 
The self-abasing watchfulness 
Of silent prayer may make. 

Easier to smite with Peter's sword, 

Than " watch one hour" in humbhng prayer : 
Life's " great things," like the Syrian lord, 

Our hearts can do and dare. 

But oh ! we shrink from Jordan's side, 

From waters which alone can save ; 
And murmur for Abana's banks, 

And Pharpar's brighter wave. 

Oh 1 Thou, who in the garden's shade 

Didst wake the weary ones again. 
Who slumbered at that fearful hour. 

Forgetful of thy pain : 

Bend o'er us now, as over them, 

And set our sleep-bound spirits free. 
Nor leave us slumbering in the watch 

Our souls should keep with Thee ! — J. G, Whittiefs 



124 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

PEACE IN OLD AGE. 

Old age is commonly esteemed an evil, and 
we speak of its bm^dens in the language of 
pity, yet it has its own peculiar pleasures with 
which the younger stranger intermeddleth not 
Within the aged heart, cold and dead as we 
sometimes deem it, may dwell a hidden life, 
whose calm twilight, though it seem dark in con- 
trast with what we call the sunny days of child- 
hood, is most truly peaceful and happy. 

But such is not the case with all who have 
passed within the shadows of life's evening ; and 
it is an interesting question, How may that 
evening be made to shine with a mild and cheer- 
ful radiance? If we interrogate the earth, its 
wide extent can send back no satisfactory an- 
swer. Its wealth may avert the anxieties and 
pains of poverty — that evil, great indeed when 
hfe is waning; its affectionate smiles and sympa- 
thies may render home a sanctuary of love ; phi- 
losophy and refined social converse may perform 
their graceful ministry; and sometimes a pecu- 
liarly happy constitution may help the aged heart 
to sing amid trials and infirmities ; but not all 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 125 

these combined, and existing in their best estate, 
can plant and nourish within the bosoin of age 
true and substantial peace Under the most 
iavorable circumstances of earthly bliss in which 
we can imagine the aged to be placed, thoughts 
and emotions must arise of a sombre hue, bor- 
rowing their dark shades from the past and 
future. From the past how many memories 
come thronging into the soul, of scenes and 
friends once dear but for ever gone, of hopes 
cherished only to be blighted, and of errors, mis- 
takes, and sins, darkly tracing the whole course 
of life. And the "coming events" of life's close, 
and of the world beyond, so near at hand, must 
" cast their" deep " shadows before," and invest 
the future with gloom. 

What now can displace from " the chambers 
of imagery" these gloomy visitants, that, in their 
stead, Peace, that daughter of the skies, may 
enter and diffuse her mild cheerfulness ? 

From all other responses let us turn, while we 
listen to the benignant voice of Jesus : " Peace I 
leave with you, my peace I give unto you ; not 
as the world giveth give I unto yon. Let not 
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 



126 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

This is the ooly voice, v^hose svi^eet and powerful 
tones can hush into stillness the storm of passion 
and calm every anxious fear. It promises rest to 
the w^ayworn pilgrim: ''Come unto me all ye 
that labor and are heavy laden, and I w^ill give 
you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn 
of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and 
ye shall find rest unto your souls." 

A living faith in the Son of God, as the Re- 
deemer and Advocate, brings this peace and rest, 
which form the truest solace of old age. With 
trust in Christ is connected the happy conscious- 
ness of sins forgiven, of a heart purified, of adop- 
tion into God's family, and of heirship to heaven. 
With this are connected also filial trust in God, 
meek submission to his will, and a comforting 
belief that all things are working together for 
good. This opens the way for free communion 
with heaven, causes the promises to send forth 
their sweet perfume, and death to appear only as 
a pleasant sleep. The shadows of coming evil 
fly away before the blessed light that streams 
down upon the soul from that world, where the 
aged pilgrim shall soon find his glorious rest. 

And these consolations, wdiich the gospel im- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 127 

parts to all believers, may in some respects be 
peculiarly precious to aged saints. The new- 
born soul rejoices in the glow of his first love ; 
the saint of larger experience discovers yet new 
beauty and blessedness in Christ ; but for the aged 
pilgrim in whom grace has assiduously wrought, 
and patience had her perfect work, are reserved 
richer clusters from the living Vine, riper and of 
sweeter flavor. To him belongs that peace 
which flows hke a river with its calm and even 
tide — a peace which is the result of a long expe- 
rience of the faithfulness of God. He has 
learned, as the younger Christian has not, to go 
at once to his Redeemer when sorrows rise or 
temptations assail — to live by faith on the Son 
of God. The loss of earthly friends, the wither- 
ing of earthly hopes, the prospect of a speedy 
breaking up of all earthly connexions, even a 
deeper insight into the corruption of his nature, 
have all caused him to cling to Christ with 
increasing love. 

A quiet home, kind friends, and a pecuniary 
competence may help to smooth the decHning 
pathway, but amid all these, and incomparably 
beyond them, and even wholly apart from tbem, 



128 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

amid sickness, poverty, dependence, and neglect, 
Jesus, dwelling in the aged heart, is its richest 
source of peace. He diffuses around the infirm 
and afflicted saint the atmosphere of heaven. He 
commands, and the soul is still. He is its sanc- 
tuary, into which it can run and hide from the 
griefs and cares of earth. Upon his bosom, the 
bosom of infinite love, the weary head can be 
softly pillowed. The legitimate influence of 
faith in Jesus Christ is a heavenly tranquillity of 
mind. Aged disciple ! Is this peace in its ful- 
ness not yet yours to enjoy 1 We would direct 
you to Jesus Beneath the Cross, as under the 
cool shadow of a great rock in a weary land, 
may the pilgrim repose after the burden and 
heat of life's earlier days, and calmly await his 
summons to the *' better land." 

Providence hath a thousand keys to open a 
thousand doors for the deliverance of his own. — 
Rutherford, 

DUTIES AND EVENTS. 
Duties are ours, events are the Lord's ; when 
our faith goeth to meddle with events, and to 
hold a court (if I may so speak) upon God's 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 129 

providence, 'and beginneth to say, " How wilt 
thou do this and that ?" we lose ground ; we have 
nothing to do there, it is our part to let the 
Ahniglity exercise his own office, and steer his 
own hehn ; there is nothing left us f)ut to see how 
we may be approved of him, and how we may 
roll the weight of our weak souls in well doing 
upon him who is God omnipotent ; and when 
what we thus essay miscarrieth, it shall neither be 
our sin nor Quox.— Rutherford. 

These are the days of the years of Abraham's 
life which he lived, a hundred threescore and 
fifteen years. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, 
and died in a good old age, an old man, and full 
of years ; and was gathered to his fathers.— 
Genesis xxv. 7, 8. 

THE LOVE OF CHRIST. 
We want nothing but faith in stronger exercise 
to make us cheerful and comfortable under all 
the actual and possible changes of this poor life. 
Have we not a Saviour, a shepherd full of com- 
passion and tenderness ? If we wish for love in 
a friend, he has shown love unspeakable; he left 
his glory, assumed our nature, and submitted to 



130 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

shame, poverty, and death, even the death of the 
cross, that he might save us from sin and misery, 
and open the kingdom of heaven to us who 
were once his enemies. For he saw and pitied 
us when we knew not how to pity ourselves. 
If we need a powerful friend, Jesus is almighty ; 
our help is in him who made heaven and earth, 
who raises the dead, and hushes the tempest's 
raging waves into a calm with a word. If we 
need a present friend, a help at hand in the hour 
of trouble, Jesus is always near, about our path 
by day, and our bed by night; nearer than the 
light by which we see, or the air we breathe ; 
nearer than we are to ourselves ; so that not a 
thought, a sigh, or a tear, escapes his notice. 
Since then his love and wisdom are infinite, and 
he has ah'eady done so much for us, shall we not 
trust him to the end ? His mercies are countless 
as the sands, and hereafter we shall see cause to 
count our trials among our chief mercies. He 
sees there is a need -be for them, or we should 
not have them, and he has promised to make all 
things work together for our final good. — John 

Newton, (when seventy-six years old?) 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 131 

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS. 
There are many Christians like young sailors, 
who think the shore and the whole land do move, 
wdien the ship and they themselves are moved ; 
just so, not a few imagine that God moveth, and 
faileth, and changeth places, because their godly 
souls are subject to alteration ; but the foundation 
of the Lord abideth sure. — Kutherford, 

I HAVE been young, and now am old ; yet 
have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his 
seed begging bread. — Psahn xxxvii. 25. 

Thou art my hope, Lord God : thou art 
my trust from my youth. — Fsahn Ixxi. 5. 

The dread and dislike of death by no means 
prove that a person is not a child of God. Even 
a strong believer may be afraid to die. We are 
not fond of handling a serpent, even though its 
sting is drawn. — Martin. 

IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE. 

Old age is called the winter of life, and \\\t\\ 
it are associated pain, infirmity, and sorrow. 



132 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

The aged have lost the elasticity and freshness of 
earlier days. They are gradually sinking be- 
neath tlie inevitable law^ that dooms man to (he 
dust. Their sun is setting; the night draweth 
on. 

Under these circumstances, they are sometimes 
disposed to vi^ithdraw entirely from active pursuits^ 
and give themselves up to an indolent repose. 
They feel the need of rest and quiet in the evening 
of life ; and surely they, if any, should enjoy this 
blessing. But they should never forget that the 
due exercise of mind and body is indispensable 
to happiness. Age brings no necessary exemp- 
tion from this benevolent law. Said John New- 
ton, in his seventieth year, " We must ivork 
while it is day, for the night cometh." And he 
was himself an example of the happy influence 
upon the health and happiness, of his own pre- 
cept. 

We would not here recommend severe and 
protracted toil, but only regular and moderate 
exercise, in connexion with some pleasing and 
useful employment. This accords with the laws 
of our being, whether in youth or age. It affords 
a healthful invigoration and refreshment. It 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. ] 33 

tends most happily to draw the mind away from 
that melancholy brooding over real or fancied 
ills, which dries up the fountain of life and joy 
within the soul, and in which the unemployed, 
especially in advanced years, are prone to 
indulge. 

It is common to hear men talk of retiring from 
business, to enjoy at their leisure the fruits of pre- 
vious toil. But such an expectation generally 
ends in disappointment. The pleasure so fondly 
anticipated in a freedom from toil and care, 
comes not at the bidding. A feeling of uncom- 
fortable lassitude and impatience ensues. The 
elegant home, with its pleasant arrangements, its 
shady walks, its cool retreats, whatever taste and 
wealth can furnish for embellishment and com- 
fort, is irksome to its possessor, and he almost 
sighs for the bustle and bondage he has left. 
And there is nothing strange in this. It is the 
natural result of a violent transition, and of the 
transgression of that law which makes us happy 
only as our powers are duly exercised. 

It would be better far that, instead of a sudden 
withdrawal, as age approaches, from the accus- 
tomed routine of labor, whether on the farm, in 



J 34 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

the shop, the family, the pulpit, or whatever call- 
ing, there should be still such a continuance of 
effort as is proportioned to the gradually declin- 
ing strength. And we may remark, by the way, 
that such a course would not only greatly con- 
duce to happiness, but to Christian usefulness. 
It is by no means true that a moderate attention 
even to worldly business, of necessity interferes 
with spiritual enjoyment and devotedness. We 
may be diligent in business, and yet fervent in 
spirit, serving the Lord. And activity tends to 
avert that lassitude and dulness, that spiritual 
depression and decay of mind and body, which 
are such powerful hindrances to usefulness. 

If advanced years bring increased leisure, how 
well for the aged, as well honoring to God, 
that it be employed in his direct service. What 
a delightful field of activity is here opened before 
the Christian in the evening of life ! How pleas- 
ing to see him, as he gradually retires from 
worldly pursuits, turning with increased afTection 
to the church, which has had his earlier love ! 
Here his mind may be exercised according to 
the measure of its ability, and in the way most 
favorable to that calm and holy repose so desir- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. ] 35 

able for the aged. In the exercises of devotion, 
in spiritual conversation, in ministering the sweet 
charities of the gospel to the poor, and sick, and 
needy of the flock, and in other ways seeking the 
interests of the church and the religious welfare 
of the community, as he has opportunity or 
ability, the aged saint would renew his strength ; 
though old he would still be young. Many such 
we can recall to mind, whose labors of love have 
made them the glory of our churches. They 
bear fruit in old age. They are fair and flourish- 
ing. Their hoary head, found thus in the ways 
of righteousness, is a crown of glory. And while 
they honor God, he honors and blesses them. 
From not a few of the evils incident to age are 
they, in a measure or wholly, preserved. 

Even when the saint, through extreme infir- 
mity, is a "prisoner of the Lord" at home, he 
may exercise his mind, and brighten his decli- 
ning days, by nurturing the "hidden life " of piety, 
by continual prayers for the church, and by 
devout conversation. Such an earnest devotion 
to God, so long as the abihty is granted, will 
prove a refreshing cordial to the soul. And that 
cheerfulness which is connected with the spirit 



136 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

of benevolence, is one of the sources of a vigor- 
ous old age. 

Familiar converse with the v^ritings of the 
good and gifted will afford a pleasing exercise to 
the mind amid growing infirmities. Here, while 
the strength fails, the mind may be renew^ed daj 
by day. Beside the fountains of holy thought 
and feeling, which God has opened in the works 
of those whom he has endowed to become 
teachers and comforters to their race, may the 
aged pilgrim sit and be refreshed. Here, by his 
fireside, what a noble company he may gathej* 
round him ! with what glorious thoughts hold 
communion ! 

I have now in mind an aged saint, bent 
beneath the burden of more than fourscore years, 
a plain uneducated woman, moving in a humble 
sphere, but favored wdth an excellent understand- 
ing, to whom a book, and especially the '' book 
of books," was an unfailing companion. By this 
habitual communion with the pure and great, 
her mind, through the blessing of God, retained 
to the last almost the sprighthness of youth, even 
when the frail body was bowed and ready to 
fail. Well do I remember how her eye would 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 137 

kindle when she was presented with a new 
rehgious book ; and the subhme views she would 
express of the majesty of God, the preciousness 
of the Saviour, and the glory of heaven, were a 
pleasing proof of the happy influence of the 
practice we recommend ; — for who can doubt 
that a premature decay of mental vigor would 
have resuked from the opposite course ? Exer- 
cise, with the divine blessing, enabled her to 
maintain a vigorous life even to the borders of 
eternity. 

When the sight at last grows dim, then highly 
favored is the aged Christian, to whom some 
loving voice conveys those thoughts which his 
eyes can no longer trace upon the printed page. 
And the aged should, if possible, enjoy this daily 
privilege. Without it, we have known them to 
spend their last days in sadness, and suffer a 
premature decay. 

, If at length the mind of the aged saint becomes 
too weak to follow even the reading of a book, 
let him fix his thoughts on Jesus. The contem- 
plation of his love will warm the heart, and 
enkindle the mind, even when enfrosted by 
extreme old age. 



138 THE EVENING OF LIFE, 

But heart and flesh at last must fail, the earth- 
ly tabernacle be dissolved. Then will the saint 
leave behind for ever the weakness of earth, and 
in a glorious and perpetual youth serve the 
" Lord w^ho bought him." In that blessed world 
above, there is continual service. The lofty 
powers of saints and angels are ever exercised in 
loving, praising, and doing the will of, their 
Creator. 

EXPERIENCE OF AN AGED BELIEVER. 

Though I am at present in good health, the 
question of Pharaoh to Jacob ought to be much 
in my thoughts, " How old art thou 1" Indeed, 
I am old enough to be wiser and better than I 
am. Now I am turned of threescore, I have no 
right to expect that my abilities either for preach- 
ing or wTiting will continue very long. The 
shadow^s of evening cannot be very distant from 
me. It is therefore probable that the " Messiah " 
will be my last book from the press, and if so, ] 
take leave of the public with a noble subject. 
Surely I am bound to wish that while my lips or 
my fingers can move. His name and His grace 
should employ my thoughts, my words, and my 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 139 

pen ; and especially my last words, whether hi 
the pulpit, in the parlor, or in my bed, and so 
from the press. What do I live for, but to bear 
a frequent public testimony to Him, and to com- 
mend him to my fellow-creatures ? 

I long to attain a habit of hving with the Lord 
by the day ; to depend no more upon to-morrow 
than yesterday; to hold myself in constant 
readiness; to be willing to go at a minute's 
warning, and leave all behind me in His hands, 
or (if such were his appointment) to be willing 
to stay and see those whom I love go before me. 
To be thus united to His will, and to rejoice in 
Him under any possible change, would be an 
attainment indeed ! Perhaps none of us can 
fully reach it till we arrive at the threshold of 
glory. However, we may approach nearer and 
nearer to such a frame of mind, and every step 
towards it is preferable to thousands of gold and 
Sliver.— John Newton, {AgedPilgrwis Triumph,) 

JOHN NEWTON IN HIS OLD AGE. 
It was with a mixture of delight and surprise 
that the friends and hearers of this eminent ser- 
vant of God beheld him bringing forth such a 



140 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

measure of fruit in extreme old age. Though 
then almost eighty years old, his sight nearly 
gone, and incapable, through deafness, of joining 
in conversation ; yet his public ministry was 
regularly continued, and maintained with a 
considerable degree of his former animation. His 
memory indeed w^as observed to fail, but his 
judgment in divine things still remained ; and 
though some depression of spirits w^as observed, 
which he used to account for from his advanced 
age, yet his perception, taste, and zeal for the 
truth which he had long received and taught, 
were evident. Like Simeon, having seen the 
salvation of the Lord, he now^ only waited and 
prayed to depart in peace. 

After Mr. Newton was turned of eighty, some 
of his friends feared he might continue his public 
ministrations too long. They marked not only 
his infirmities in the pulpit, but felt much on 
account of the decrease of his strength, and of 
his occasional depressions. Conversing with 
him in January, 1806, on the latter, he observed 
that he had experienced nothing which in the 
least affected the principles he had felt and 
taught; that his depressions were the natural 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 141 

result of fourscore years, and that, at any age, we 
can only enjoy that comfort from our principles 
which God is pleased to send. '' But," repUed I, 
** in the article of public preacliing, might it not 
be best to consider your work as done, and stop 
before you evidently discover you can speak no 
longer T " I cannot stop," said he, raising his 
voice, — '* What I shall the old African hlasphemer 
stop while he can speak V 

In every future visit, I perceived old age 
making rapid strides. iVt length his friends found 
some difficulty in making themselves known to 
him ; his sight, his hearing, and iiis recollection 
exceedingly failed ; but being mercifully kept 
from pain, he generally appeared easy and cheer- 
ful. Whatever he uttered was perfectly consistent 
with the principles which he had so long and so 
honorably maintained. Calling to see him a few 
days before he died, with one of his most intimate 
friends, we could not make him recollect either 
of us ; but seeing him afterwards when sitting up 
in his chair, I found so much intellect remaining, 
as produced a short and affectionate reply, though 
he was utterly incapable of conversation. 

Mr. Newton declined in this very gradual way, 



142 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

till at length it was painful to ask him a question, 
or to attempt to rouse faculties almost gone ; 
still his friends were anxious to get a word from 
him to learn the state of his mind in his latest 
hours. 

About a month before his death, Mr. Smith's 
niece was sitting by him, to whom he said, " It is 
a great thing to die ; and when heart and flesh 
fail, to have God for the strength of our heart, and 
our portion for ever. I know whom I have 
believed, and he is able to keep that which I have 
committed unto him against that great day. 
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, shall give me at that day." 

When Mrs. Smith came into the room, he 
said, " J have been meditating on a subject : ' Come 
and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare 
what he hath done for my soul.' " 

At another time he said, ''More hght, more 
love, more liberty. Hereafter I hope, when I 
shut my eyes on the things of time, I shall open 
them in a better world. What a thing it is to 
live under the shadow of the wings of the 
Almighty ! I am going the way of all flesh.'' 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 143 

And when one replied, " The Lord is gracious/' 
he answered, " If it were not so, how could I 
dare to stand before hin) ?" 

The Wednesday before he died, when asked 
if his mind was comfortable, he rephed, *I am 
satisfied with the Lord's will." He seemed sen- 
sible to his last hour, but expressed nothing 
remarkable after these words. He departed 
December 31st, 1807, in the 83d year of his age. 
— Memoi?' of Rev, John Newton, hy Rev. Richard 
Cecil. 

THE AGED SERVING GOD. 

May the old servants of God be dismissed from 
waiting on him ? No ; their attendance is still 
required, and shall be still accepted ; they shall 
not be cast off by their master in time of old age. 
Therefore, let not them desert his serv ice. When, 
through the infirmities of age, they can no longer 
be working servants in God's family, yet they 
may be waiting servants. Those that, hke Bar- 
zillai, are unfit for the entertainments of the courts 
of earthly princes, may yet relish the pleasures of 
God's courts as much as ever. 

The Levites, when they were past the age of 



144 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

fifty, and were discharged from the toilsome part 
of then* ministrations, yet still must wait on God, 
must be quietly waiting to give honor to him, 
and to receive comfort from him. Those that 
have done the will of God, and their well-doing 
is at an end,- have need of patience to enable 
them to wait till they inherit the promise ; and 
the nearer the happiness is which they are wait- 
ing for, the dearer should the God be they are 
waiting on, and hope shortly to be with eter- 
nally. — Matthew Henry. 

DO SOMETHING. 

There is nothing more troublesome to a good 
mind than to do nothing. For besides the fur- 
therance of our estate, the mind doth both delight 
and better itself with exercise. There is but this 
difference then betwixt labor and idleness, that 
labor is a profitable and pleasant trouble ; idle- 
ness, a trouble both unprofitable and comfortless. 
I will be ever doing something; that either God 
when he cometh or Satan when he tempteth, 
may find me busied. And yet, since — as the old 
proverb is — better it is to be idle than effect no- 
thing, I will not more hate doing nothing, than 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 145 

doing something to no purpose. I shall do good 
but a wiiile ; let me strive to do it while I may. 
— Bishop Hall. 

Right Use of Wealth. — The world teacheth 
me that it is madness to leave behind me those 
goods that I may carry with me ; Christianity 
teacheth me that what I charitably give ahve I 
carry with me dead : and experience teacheth 
me that what 1 leave behind I lose. I will carry 
that treasure with me, by giving it, which the 
worldUng loseth, by keeping it : so, while his 
corpse shall carry nothing but a winding-sheet to 
his grave, I shall be richer under the earth than I 
was above it. — Bishop Hall. 

BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. 

Am I afflicted ? It is a Father's correcting 
land. Am I in want? He knoweth it, and 
ays, " The world is mine and the fulness 
iJiereof." Am I in the valley of humihation ? 
There grows the lily of the valley; and there, 
blessed be the God of all grace, have I found that' 
lily, and derive thence such invigorating sweet- 
ness as none but myself can know. Would I 



146 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

exchange my pain, my restless nights, nay, even, 
sometimes, heart-sinkings, with the alternative 
of losing these heavenly bestow^ments ? No ! 
not to be made empress of the world. These 
are but means of pulling down the walls of the 
prison house, from whence the captive spirit shall 
soon wing its way to those realms of bhss, which 
it is now exploring with feeble faith and strong 
desire. — Mrs. Hawkes, 

If I cannot take pleaswe in infirmities^ I can 
sometimes feel the profit of them. I can con- 
ceive a king to pardon a rebel, and take him into 
his family, and then say, " I appoint you, for a 
season, to wear a fetter. At a certain season, I 
will send a messenger to knock it off. In the 
meantime, this fetter will serve to remind you of 
your state : it may humble you, and restrain you 
from rambling." — Newton. 

Cast me not off in the time of old age; 
forsake me not when my strength faileth. — 
Psalm Ixxi. 9. 

O God, thou hast taught mo from my youth : 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 147 

and hitherto have I declared thy w^ondrous 
^works. Now also w^hen I am old and grey- 
headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have 
showed thy strength unto this generation, and 
thy power to every one that is to come. — 
Psahn Ixxi. 17, 18. 



THE DEVOUT MAN. 

A DEVOUT man is he that ever sees the Invisi- 
ble, and ever trembleth before that God he sees ; 
that walks even here on earth with the God of 
heaven, and still adores that majesty with whom 
he converses ; that confers hourly with the God 
of spirits in his own language, yet so as no 
familiarity can abate of his awe, nor fear abate 
aught of his love : to whom the gates of heaven 
are ever open, that he may go in at pleasure to 
the throne of grace, and none of the angelical 
spirits can offer to challenge him of too much 
boldness ; whose eyes are well acquainted with 
those heavenly guardians, the presence of whom 
he doth as truly acknowledge as if they were his 
sensible companions. He is well known of the 
King of Glory for a daily suitor in the court of 



148 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

heaven; and none so welcome there as he — 
Bishop Hall. 

Human Frailty. — Our frail bodies are totter- 
ing habitations ; every beat of the heart is a rap 
at the door, to tell us of our danger. — Old Hum* 
phrey. 

GLORY OF HEAYEK 

The glorj of the heaven which the gospel 
prepares us for, which faith leads us to, which 
the souls of behevers long after, as that which 
shall give us full rest, satisfaction, and compla- 
cen(jy, is the full, open, perfect manifestation of 
the glory, of the wisdom, goodness, and love of 
God in Christ, in his person and mediation, with 
the revelation of all his counsels concerning 
them, and the communication of their effects to 
us. 

To have the eternal glory of God in Christ, 
with all the fruits of his wisdom and love, whilst 
we are ourselves under the full participation of 
the effects of them, immediately, directly revealed 
to us in a divine and glorious light, our souls 
being furnished with a capacity to behold and 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 149 

perfectly comprehend them ; this is the heaven 
which, according to God's promise, we look for. 
It is true, that there are sundry other things in 
particular that belong to this state of glory ; but 
what we have mentioned is the fountain of them 
all. 

The whole of the glory of the state above is 
expressed by being ever with the Lord ; where 
he is, to behold his glory. For in and through 
him is the beautiful manifestation of God and his 
glory made for evermore : and through him are 
all inward communications of glory to us. There- 
fore, if we are spiritually minded, we should fix 
our thoughts on Christ above, as the centre of 
all heavenly glory. — Owen on Spir it ual- Minded- 
ness. 

EELIEF FOR WANDERING THOUGHTS. 

Some will say that there is not anything in all 
their duty towards God, wherein they are more 
at a loss than they are in this one, of fixing or 
exercising their thoughts on things heavenly or 
spiritual. They acknowledge it a duty : they see 
an excellency in it with inexpressible usefulness. 
But though they often attempt it, they cannot 



150 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

attain to anything but what makes them ashamed 
both of it and themselves. Their minds, they 
find, are unsteady, apt to rove and wander, or 
give entertainment to other things, and not to 
abide on the object which they design their 
meditation towards. On these considerations, 
ofttimes they are discouraged to enter on the 
duty, ofttimes give it over so soon as it is begun, 
and are glad if they come off without being 
losers by their endeavors, which often befalls 
them. 

When you find yourselves perplexed and en- 
tangled, not able comfortably to persist in spiritual 
thoughts to your refreshment, take these two 
directions for your relief 

1. Cry and sigh to God for help and relief. 
Bewail the darkness, weakness, and instabihiy of 
your niinds, so as to groan within yourselves for 
dehverance. And if your designed meditations 
do issue only in a renewed gracious sense of 
your own weakness and insufficiency, with ap- 
plication to God for supphes of strength, they are 
by no means lost as unto a spiritual account. 
The thoughts of Hezekiah, in his meditations, 
did not seem to have any great order or consis- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 151 

tency, when he so expressed them; "Like a 
crane or a swallow, so did I chatter : I did mourn 
as a dove : mine eyes failed witli looking up- 
wards ; O Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for 
me." When the soul labors sincerely for com- 
munion with God, but sinks into broken and 
confused thoughts under the weight of its own 
weakness, yet if he looks to God for rehef, his 
chattering and mourning will be accepted with 
God, and profitable to himself. 

2. Supply the brokenness of your thoughts 
with ejaculatory prayers. So was it with Heze- 
kiah ; when his meditations were weak and 
broken, he cried out in the midst of them, " O 
Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me/' 

Lastly, Be not discouraged with an apprehen- 
sion that all you can attain to in the discharge 
of this duty, is so little, so contemptible, as that 
it is to no purpose to persist in it. Nor be 
wearied with the difficulties you meet with in its 
performance. You have to do with him only in 
this matter, who will not break the bruised reed, 
nor quench the smoking flax ; whose will is that 
none should despise the day of small things. 
And if there be in this duty a ready mind, it is 



152 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

accepted, according to what a man hath, and not 
according to what he hath not. He that can 
bring into this treasury only the mites of broken 
desires and ejaculatory prayers, so they be his 
best, shall not come behind them who cast into it 
out of their great abundance of abihty and skill. 
— Owen on Spiritual-Mindedness. 

LOVE. 

* % m «r * 

The autumn of love 

Is the season of cheer — 
Life's mild Indian summer, 

The smile of the year ; 
Which comes when the golden, 

Ripe harvest is stored ; 
And yields its own blessings — 

Repose and reward. 

The winter of love 

Is the beam that we win, 
"While the storm scowls without, 

From the sunshine within. 
Love's reign is eternal, 

The heart is his throne. 
And he has all seasons 

Of life for his own. — Morris. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 153 

WHICH IS THE HAPPIEST SEASON? 

At a festal party of old and young, the ques- 
tion was asked, which season of life was the 
most happy ? After being freely discussed by 
the guests, it was referred for answer to the host, 
upon whom was the burden of fourscore years. 
He asked if they had noticed a grove of trees 
before the dwelling, and said, " When the spring 
comes, and in the soft air the buds are breaking 
on the trees, and they are covered with blossoms^ 
I think, Hoio heautiful is Spring ! And when 
the summer comes, and covers the trees with its 
heavy foliage, and singing birds are all among the 
branches, I think, How heautiful is Summer ! 
When autumn loads them with golden fruit, and 
their leaves bear the gorgeous tint of frost, I think, 
How heautiful is Autumn I And when it is sere 
winter, and there is neither foliage nor fruit, then 
I look up, and through the leafless branches, as [ 
could never until now, I see the stars shine 
through." — Dr. Adams, 

CHRIST THE MEDIATOR. 
Live by fiaith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We 
cannot with any confidence wait upon God but 

8 



154 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

in and through a Mediator, for it is by his Son 
that God speaks to us, and hears fmm us ; all 
that passes between a just God and poor sinners 
must pass through the hands of that blessed 
'* Daysman who has laid his hand upon them 
both ;" every prayer passes from us to God, and 
every mercy from God to us, by that hand. It is 
in the face of the anointed that God looks upon 
us; and in the face of Jesus Christ that we be- 
hold the glory and grace of God shining. It is by . 
Christ that we have access to God, and success 
with him in prayer, and therefore must make 
mention of his righteousness, even of his only. 
And in that habitual attendance we must be all 
the day living upon God ; we must have an 
habitual dependence on him, who always appears 
in the presence of God for us, always gives 
attendance to be ready to introduce us. — M. 
Henry. 

THOUGHTS OF GOD. 

Death will bring us all to God, to be judged 
by him ; it will bring all the saints to him, to the 
vision and fruition of him ; and one we are 
hastening to, and hope to be for ever with we are 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 155 

concerned to wait upon, and to cultivate an 
acquaintance with. Did we think more of death 
we should converse more witii God. Our dying 
daily is a good reason for our w^orshipping daily ; 
and therefore, wherever we are, we are con- 
cerned to keep near to God, because we know 
not where death will meet us. If we continue 
w^aiting on God and all the day long, we shall 
grow more experienced and expert in the great 
mystery of communion with God ; and thus our 
last days will become our best days, our last 
works our best w^orks, and our last comforts our 
sweetest comforts. — M. Henry. 

THE SONG OF SEVENTY. 

I AM not old — T cannot be old. 

Though threescore years and ten 
Have wasted away, like a tale that is told, 

The lives of other men. 

I am not old ; though friends and foes 

Alike have gone to their graves, 
And left me alone to my joys or my woes, 

As a rock in the midst of the waves. 

I am not old — I cannot be old, 

Though tottering, wrinkled, and grey \ 



156 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Thoiigli my eyes are dim, and my marrow is coli 
Call me not old to-day. 

For early memories round me throng, 
Old times, and manners, and men. 

As I look behind on my journey so long 
Of threescore miles and ten. 

T look behind, and am once more young. 

Buoyant, and brave, and bold, 
And my heart can sing, as of yore it sung. 

Before they called me old. 

I do not see her — the old wife there — 
Shrivelled, and haggard, and grey, 

But I look on her blooming, and soft, and fair, 
As she was on her wedding-day. 

I do not see you, daughters and sons, 
In the likeness of women and men, 

But I kiss you now as I kissed you once. 
My fond little children then. 

And, as my own grandson rides on my knee, 

Or plays with his hoop or kite, 
I can well recollect I w^as merry as he — 

The bright-eyed little wight. 

'Tis not long since, it cannot be long, 

My years so soon were spent. 
Since I was a boy, both straight and strong, 

Yet now am I feeble and bent. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 157 

A dream, a dream, — it is all a dream, 
A strange, snd dream, good sooth ; 

For old as I am, and old as I seem, 
My heart is full of youth. 

Eye hath not seen, tongue hath not told, 

And ear hath not heard it sung, 
How buoyant and bold, though it seems to grow old, 

Is the heart, for ever young ; — 

For ever young, — though life's old age 

Hath every nerve unstrung : 
The heart, the heart, is a heritage 

That keeps the old man young ! — Tupper, 

Father and Son. — How pleasant it is for a 
father to sit at his child's board ! It is hke the 
aged man rechning under the shadow of the oak 
which he has planted.— Walter Scott. 

VALUE OF RELIGION. 

I ENVY no quahty of the mind or intellect in 
others, — not genius, power, wit, or fancy ; but if I 
could choose what would be most delightful and 
I believe most useful to me, I should prefer a 
firm religious belief to every other blessing, for it 
makes life a discipline of goodness, creates new 



158 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

hopes when all earthly hopes vanish, and throws 
over the decay, the destruction of existence, the 
most gorgeous of all lights : awakens life even in 
death, and from corruption and decay calls up 
beauty and divinity ; makes an instrument of 
torture and of shame the ladder of ascent to 
paradise ; and far above all combinations of 
earthly hopes, calls up the most delightful visions 
of palms and amaranths, the gardens of the 
blessed, the security of everlasting joys, where 
the sensualist and the sceptic view only gloom, 
decay, and annihilation. — H. Davy. 

CHRIST'S. LOVE TO HIS PEOPLE. 

Observe, O my soul, though thy celestial 
Bridegroom finds not in thee any merit, worthi- 
ness, or beauty, he will wash thee himself with 
his blood; he will adorn thee, and make thee 
truly amiable to himself and to his Father. 

O sweet and eternal truth ! " He has loved us, 
and w^ashed us from our sins in his own blood.'' 
Being clothed with his righteousness, we have 
more than angelical beauty. If we have received 
the spirit of adoption, let us cleave to Christ 
alone, love him above all things, and walk in his 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 159 

commandments. This is not only our duty, bat 
a needful evidence of our sonsliip. — Bogatzhy. 

OLD AGE. 

Why should old age escape unnoticed here, 
That sacred era to reflection dear ? 
That peaceful shore where passion dies awaj^ 
Like the last wave that ripples o'er the bay ? 
Oh ! if old age were cancelled from our lot, 
Full soon would man deplore the unhallowed blot ? 
Life's busy day would want its tranquil even, 
And earth would lose its stepping-stone to heaven. 

Caroline Gilman, 

DISSUASIVES AGAmST A MURMURING SPIRIT. 

CoMPLAiNEST tliou, my soul, of thy long impri- 
sonment, of thy long continued disappointment 
of escape from thy narrow^, irksome cage ? 
Faintest thou because thy labor is not over, nor 
the battle w^on ? Rather humble thyself, and put 
thy mouth in the dust, that with all that has 
been done for thee, thou hast done so little thy- 
self towards obtaining a meetness for thy heavenly 
inheritance. Were the corn fully ripe, it would 
be gathered into the garner. Thou art not 
ripened yet. Besides, w^ere there no other rea- 



160 THE EVENING OF LIFE, 

sons why thou shouldst wait patiently, it is 
enough that it is the will and good pleasure of 
thy Heavenly Father. Hast thou no obligations 
to him (whose thou art by creation, redemption, 
adoption, preservation), for mercies temporal and 
spiritual, through a. whole life ? Gird up the 
loins of thy mind, and say, " What shall I render 
unto the Lord for all his benefits T' Nothing 
canst thou render in a way of merit ; but every- 
thing in doing and suffering according to his will. 
— Mrs. Haivkes. 

THE DISCONSOLATE SAINT ENCOURAGED. 

" Why art thou cast down, my soul T when 
the speedy return of every birth-day should make 
thee glad that thou art one year nearer to the 
haven of rest, where thou hast so long desired to 
be. Has any new thing happened unto thee I 
anything that is not common to old age — com- 
mon for an afflicted pilgrim, with a vile body of 
sin and death, to encounter and endure ? Art 
thou not content to bear the breakings up of 
nature, with the drying up of its springs ; and to 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death 
as those with whom, in former times, thou hast 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. ]6i 

had sweet society, even when heakh and vigor 
were decayed, and when, with tottering steps 
and many a groan, they waited for that dehver- 
ance which they have now obtained I Dost thou 
expect that a new way is to be made for thee, 
instead of the royal way ordained for all pil- 
grims to the holy city I Look at thy dear rela- 
tives, — mother, brother, sisters, and others, — and 
again say, " Why art thou cast down, O my soul, 
and why art thou disquieted within me ? Hope 
thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the 
health of my countenance and my God." — Mrs. 
Haivkes. 

THE PEASANT ON THE WELSH MOUNTAINS. 
It is told of a poor peasant on the Welsh 
mountains, that month after month, year after 
year, through a long period of declining life, he 
was used every morning, as soon as he awoke, to 
open his casement window towards the east, and 
look out to see if Jesus Christ was coming. He 
was no calculator, or he need not have looked so 
long ; he was a student of prophecy, or he would 
not have looked at all ; he was ready, or he 

would not have been in so much haste ; he was 

8^. 



J 62 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

willing, or he would rather have looked another 
way ; he loved, or it would not have been the 
first thought of the morning. His master did not 
come, but a messenger did, to fetch the ready one 
home ; the same preparation sufficed for both, the 
longing soul was satisfied with either. 

Often, when in the morning the child of God 
awakes, wearily, and encumbered with the flesh ; 
perhaps from troubled dreams ; perhaps with 
troubled thoughts, his Father's secret comes 
presently across him; he looks up, if not out, to 
feel if not to see the glories of that last morning 
when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead 
shall arise indestructible : no weary limbs to bear 
the spirit down ; no feverish dreams to haunt the 
visions ; no dark forecasting of the day's events, 
or returning memory of the griefs of yesterday. — 
Fry. 

PASSING UNDER THE ROD. 
I SAW when a father and mother had leaned 

On the arms of a dear cherished son, 
And the star in the future grew bright in their gaze, 

As they saw the proud place he had won ; 
And the fast coming evening of Mfe promised fair 

And its pathway grew smooth to their feet, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 1G3 

And the star-light of Love glimmered bright at the end, 

And the whispers of Fancy were sweet ; — 
But I saw when they stood bending low o'er the grave 

Where their hearts' dearest hope had been laid, 
And the star had gone down in the darkness of night, 

And joy from their bosoms had fled. 
But the Healer was there, and his arms were around, 

And he led them with tenderest care. 
And he showed them a star in the bright upper world — 

'Twas their star shining brilliantly there ! 
They had each heard a voice — 'twas the voice of their God, 

" I love thee, I love thee — pass under the rod !" 

M. S. B, Dana. 

THE BIBLE. 
O THOU Bible ! holy book of wonders ! what 
more can we need, when He who bears '' the key 
of David " opens to us thy treasures 1 Where is 
the darkness which thy light will not dispel I 
where the emptiness which thy tree of life will 
not satisfy ? where the thirst which thy hving 
streams will not quench ? where the mountains 
which cannot be ascended, when we have with 
us thy rod and staff? O Word of God ! sent 
from heaven, who can estimate the fulness of that 
service of love which thou hast wrought for us ? 
We seek after God — thou unveilest to us his face 



164 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

We desire to know his will — thou discoverest to 
us his law, with its thunders and lightnings. 
Terrified by the voice from Sinai, we inquire 
into the state of our hearts — thou disclosest to us 
their most secret depths. We sink under the 
heavy load of our sins — thou showest to us the 
sentence of condemnation torn asunder, and nailed 
to the Saviour's cross. We tremble to-find that 
we are naked in the presence of a holy God — 
thou tellest us of the spotless righteousness of 
Immanuel, and sayest gently, " Go in peace." 
We fear lest we should not walk worthy of our 
calhng — thou saj^est to us, ^' Take courage ; for 
Christ is made of God unto you wisdom, and 
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemp- 
tion." We tremble before the enemy who would 
fain swallow us up — again thou raisest our heads : 
" The Lion of the tribe of Judah hath conquered ; 
take courage, take courage." Trouble surrounds 
us — thou liftest us out of the abyss : see, it was 
the chastisement of love. We are left alone — 
thou directest us to a friendly bosom, where all 
tears are wiped away. The path of our pilgrim- 
age is dark and gloomy — thou givest us the wings 
of hope, so that we fly away over this world's 



T H E E V E N I N G OF LIFE. 165 

mountains. The day of our life is coming lo a 
close, the evening is drawing nigh — thou openest 
to us a window that looketh to the east, and 
behold, we see in the distance the glorious lights 
of our own eternal, and oh, what a house I O 
Word of Life ! treasure of salvation ! without 
equal ; which makes our poverty rich, our weak- 
ness strong, gilding with heavenly light the shades 
of our earthly pilgrimage ! let us kiss thee with 
kisses of love — let us cover thee with tears of joy. 
— F. TV. Krwn77iacher. 



" E'en down to old age all ray people shall prove 
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love ; 
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn, 
Like lambs in my bosom they still shall be borne." 

A Lesson of Faith.— Wouldst thou know, O 
parent, what is that faith which unlocks heaven ? 
Go not to wrangling polemics, but draw to thy 
bosom thy little one, and read hi that clear, trust- 
ing eye the lessons of eternal life. Be only to 
thy God as thy child is to thee, and all is done ! 
Blessed shalt thou be, indeed — " a little child shall 
lead thee ! " 



166 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Baynham, the blessed martyr, when at the 
stake, said, '' O ye Papists, you talk of miracles ; 
behold here a true one : these flames are to me a 
bed of roses,'' — Lye. 

An aged man's voice has its beauties, though it 
is v^eak and low. — Cicero. 

MY FATHER'S GRAVE. 

It is well for the Christian that the arrange- 
ment of his lot is in better hands than his own. 
All that relates to life or death he may gratefully 
leave to him who holds the keys of both. But, 
were it lawful to express a choice, the position of 
the veteran, who, having fought the good fight, 
finishes his course in the possession of his facul- 
ties, and in the enjoyment of a hope full of 
immortality, would seem the happier portion. 
To have lived to some valuable purpose, and to 
have served their generation according to the 
will of God, may prove a source of holy satisfac- 
tion and delight to the servants of Christ, even 
when they rest from their labors and their works 
follow them. 

" Then your lease is out," said one, as a vena- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 167 

rable minister remarked that his days had ex- 
ceeded threescore years and ten. " I never had 
a lease," that minister rephed ; " I was always a 
tenant at will, and I have often had warning to 
quit." 

The final notice to that effect was delivered 
about two years afterwards, when, one morning, 
indications not easily mistaken assured him that 
the time of his departure was at hand. Perfectly 
calm and collected, he sent his sexton round the 
village to invite his little flock to come and see 
their pastor die. The last four hours of his life 
he spent in separately commending them '' to 
God, and to the word of his grace ;" and then, in 
the act of turning to find an easier posture, he 
fell asleep in Jesus. 

Among some papers, the seal of which was not 
to be broken till his decease, was found a letter 
to his children, which, after alluding to some 
matters in relation to his will, closed with these 
words : " Press on : follow me to glory. Your 

FATHER BIDS YOU FAREWELL." 

In the sanctuary where for two and forty 
years belabored for the glory of God and the sal- 
vation of men, his remains await the resurrection 



168 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

of the just. And there has the writer, while 
weeping over the long flat stone which records 
his name, recalled the exclamation of Elisha: 
*' Mj father ! my father ! the chariots of Israel, 
and the horsemen thereof!" — D. E. Foi^d. 



Baxter's Dying Words. — The Rev. Richard 
Baxter, when near the close of his course, ex- 
claimed, "I have pains — there is no arguing 
against sense ; but T have peace, I have peace.*' 
" You are now drawing near your long desired 
home," said one. " I believe, I believe," was his 
reply. When asked, "How are you?" he 
promptly answered, " Almost well !" 

THE OLD MAN'S FUNERAL. 

I SAW an aged man upon his bier ; 

His hair was thin and white, and on his brow 
A record of the cares of many a year ; — 

Cares that were ended and forgotten now. 
And there was sadness round, and faces bowled, 
And woman's tears fell fast, and children wailed aloud. 

Then rose another hoary man, and said, 
In faltering accents, to that weeping train, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 169 

** Why mourn ye that our aged friend is dead ? 

Ye are not sad to see the gathered grain, 
Nor when their mellow fruit the orchards cast, 
Nor when the yellow woods shake down the ripened mast. 

Ye sigh not when the sun, his course fulfilled, 
His glorious course, rejoicing earth and sky, 

In the soft evening, when the winds are stilled, 
Sinks where his islands of refreshment lie. 

And leaves the smile of his departure, spread 

O'er the warm-colored heaven and ruddy mountain head. 

"Why weep ye, then, for him, who, having won 
The bound of man's appointed years, at last, 

Life's blessings all enjoyed, life's labors done, 
Serenely to his final rest has passed : 

While the soft memory of his virtues, yet 

Lingers like twihght hues, when the bright sun is set ?" 

Bryant. 

BENEFITS OF AFFLICTION. 
When we pray for increase of faith and grace, 
and that we may have stronger proofs of our own 
sincerity, and of the Lord's faithfulness and care, 
we do but, in other words, pray for affliction. 
He is the best known and noticed in the time of 
trouble, as a present and all-sufficient help. 
How grand and magnijficent is the arch over our 



170 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

heads in a starry night ! But if it were always 
day, the stars could not be seen. The firmament 
of Scripture, if I may so speak, is spangled with 
exceeding great and precious promises, as the 
sky is with stars, but the value and beauty of 
many of them are only perceptible to us in the 
night of affliction. — John Newtori. 

THE HOSPITAL AND THE PALACE. 
God's house is a hospital at one end, and a 
palace at the other. In the hospital end are 
Christ's members upon earth, conflicting with 
various diseases, and confined to a strict regimen 
of his appointing. What sort of a patient must 
he be, who would be sorry to be told that the 
hour is come for his dismission from the hospital, 
and to see the doors thrown wide open fbr his 
admission into the presence I— Adam. 

NEARER HOME. 

We are travelling in the coach of time ; every 
day and hour brings us nearer home, and tb' 
coach-wheels whirl round apace when we a 
upon the road ; we seldom think the carriage 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 171 

goes too fast ; we are pleased to pass the mile- 
stones : I call new-year's day, or my birth-day, a 
mile-stone. 

I have now almost reached my seventy-third 
yearly mile-stone ; what dangers have I escaped 
or been brought through ! If my heart would 
jump to be within three miles of you, why does 
it not jump from morning till night, to think that 
I am probably within three years of seeing the 
Lamb upon the throne, and joining in the praises 
of the blessed spirits of the redeemed, who behold 
him without a veil or a cloud, and are filled with 
his glory and love ! — John Newton, 

THE GOOD MAN'S CONSOLATION. 
How numerous and how powerful are the con- 
solations of a good man in the season of adversity ! 
External reverses cannot rob him of that internal 
peace which he enjoys. From a state of opu- 
lence he may be reduced to a state of indigence, 
From a state of health he may be reduced to a 
state of bodily distress. His children may 
descend, one by one, before him into the tomb 
The friends of his bosom, with whom he had 
spent many a happy hour, may drop around him 



172 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

in the arms oF death. Uke the withered leaves of 
a tree scattered on the ground by the autumnal 
blast. He hhnself may be doomed to drag out 
the scanty remains of a worn-out existence, 
bereft of comforts which he once enjoyed, and 
burdened with the infirmities of age. But has he 
no friend left to speak kindly to him ? Has he 
none to soothe and to support him I Yes : he 
has One above, ''that sticketh closer than a 
brother." He has a living Redeemer, and there- 
fore does he sing in the season of adversity, 
" The Lord is my hght and my salvation ; whom 
shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my 
life ; of whom shall I be afraid ? In the time 
of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion ; in 
the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me : he 
shall set me upon a rock." — M'Kerrow. 

Christ is a refiner's fire. We would like 
well enough to come and w^arm ourselves at this 
fire ; but the business depends upon being thrown 
into it. — Adam. 

And when Abraham was ninety years old and 
nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and said 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 173 

unto him, [ am the Ahnighty God : walk before 
me, and be thou perfect — Genesis xvii. 1. 

A THOUGHT OF THE PAST. 
I WOKE from slumber at the dead of night, 

Stirred by a dream which was too sweet to last — 
A dream of boyhood's season of delight ; 

It flashed along the dim shapes of the past ! 
And, as I mused upon its strange appeal, 

Thrilling my heart with feelings undefined. 
Old memories, bursting from Time's icy seal, 

Kushed, like sun-stricken fountains, on my mind 
Scenes, among which was cast my early home. 

My favorite haunts, the shores, the ancient woods, 
Where, with my schoolmates, I was wont to roam, 

Green, sloping lawns, majestic solitudes — 
All rose to view, more lovely than of yore ; 

They faded — and I wept— a child indeed once more ! 

Sargent 

SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD. 

O WHAT wisdom is it to beheve and not to 
dispute ; to submit our thoughts to God's court, 
and not to repine at any act of his justice ! It 
is impossible to be submissive, if we stay our 
thoughts down among the confused rolUngs and 
wheels of second causes, as — " O the place ! O 



174 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

the time ! O if this had been, this had not fol- 
lowed ! O the Unking of this accident with this 
time and place !" — Look up to the master motion 
and the first wheel ; see and read the decree of 
heaven and the Creator of men. " How un- 
searchable are his judgments, and his ways past 
finding out V -—-Rutherford. 

COMFORT IN AFFLICTION. 

Even when a believer sees no hght, he may 
feel some hope; when he cannot close with a 
promise, he may lay hold on an attribute, and 
say : Though both my flesh and my heart fail, 
yet divine faithfulness and divine compassion fail 
not. Though I can hardly discern at present 
either sun, moon, or stars, yet will I cast anchor 
in the dark, and ride it out, until the day break 
and the shadows flee away. — Arrowsmith. 

Believer, go on ; your last step will be on 
the head of the old serpent ; but crush it, and 
spring from it into glory. — Mason. 

God hangs the greatest weights upon the 
smallest wires. — Bacon. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 175 

CALM, PEACE, AND LIGHT. 
There is a Calm the poor in spirit know, 
That softens sorrow and that sweetens woe ; 
There is a Peace that dwells within the breast, 
When all without is stormy and distressed ; 
There is a Light that gilds the darkest hour, 
When dangers thicken, and when tempests lower. 
That Calm to faith, and love, and hope is given — 
That Peace remains when ail beside is riven — 
That Lisht shines down to man direct from heaven I 

FOOTSTEPS OF ANGELS. 

When the hours of day are numbered, 
And the voices of the night 
. Wake the better soul that slumbered, 
To a holy, calm dehght : 

Ere the evening lamps are lighted, 

And, like phantoms grim and tall, 
Shadows from the fitful firelight 

Dance upon the parlor wall ; 

Then the forms of the departed 

Enter at the open door. 
The beloved ones, the true-hearted. 

Come to visit me once more ; 

He, the young and strong, who cherished 
Noble longings for the strife, 



176 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

By the road-side fell and perished, 
Weary with the march of life ! 

They, the holy ones and weakly. 

Who the cross of suffering bore. 
Folded their pale hands so meekly. 

Spoke with us on earth no more ! 

And with them the being beauteous. 

Who unto my youth was given. 
More than all things else to love me. 

And is now a saint in heaven. 

With a slow and noiseless footstep 

Comes that messenger divine, 
Takes the vacant chair beside me, 

Lays her gentle hand in mine. 

And she sits and gazes at me 

With those deep and tender eyes, 

Like the stars, so still and saintlike, 
Lookino; downward from the skies. 

Uttered not, yet comprehended. 
Is the spirit's voiceless prayer. 
Soft rebukes in blessings ended, 
- Breathing from her hps of air. 

Oh ! though oft depressed and lonely. 

All my fears are laid aside. 
If I but remember only 

Such as these have lived and died. — Longfellow. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 177 

It is one of the melancholy pleasures of an old 
man to recollect the kindness of friends, whoso 
kindness he shall experience no more. — Dr, 
Johnson, 

THE HAPPY OLD MAN. 
One stormy winter day, the Rev. Mr. Young, 
of Jedburgh, was visiting one of his people, an old 
man, who lived in great poverty in a lonely 
cottage. He found him sitting with the Bible 
open on his knees, but in outward circumstances 
of great discomfort — the snow drifting through 
the roof, and under the door, and scarce any fire 
on the hearth. " What are you about to-day, 
John?" was his question on entering. *' Ah, sir," 
said the happy saint, " Im sitting under His 
shadow with great delight T — Christian Treasu- 



ry. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S GRAVE. 

When by a good man's grave I muse alone, 

Metliinks an angel sits upon the stone, 

Like those of old, on that thrice hallowed night, 

Who sate and watched in raiment heavenly bright ; 

And, with a voice inspiring joy, not fear, 

Says, pointing upward, that he is not here, 

That he is risen. — Rogers, 

9 



J 78 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

We may sing even in our winter storm, in the 
expectation of a summer sun at the turn of the 
yQdiX.— Rutherford, 

FRIENDS IN HEAVEN. 
The expectation of loving my friends in 
heaven, principally kindles my love to them on 
earth. If I thought I should never know them, 
and consequently never love them, after this life 
is ended, I should number them with temporal 
things, and only love them as such. But I now 
delightfully converse with my godly friends, in a 
firm persuasion that I shall converse with them 
for ever; and I take comfort in those that are 
dead or absent, as believing I shall shortly meet 
them in heaven ; and I love them with an 
heavenly love, as the heirs of heaven, even with 
a love that shall there be perfected, and for ever 
exercised. — Baxter, 

God hath many sharp-cutting instruments and 
rough files for the polishing of his jewels; and 
those he especially esteems, and means to make 
the most resplendent, he hath oftenest his tools 
upon. — Leighton 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 179 

AFFLICTION SANCTIFIED. 

Metiiinks if ye would know 
How visitations of calamity 
Affect the pious soul, 'tis shown you here : 
Look yonder at that cloud, which, through the sky 
Sailing along, doth cross in her career 
The rolling moon. I watched it as it came, 
And deemed the deep opaque would blot her beams ; 
But melting like a wreath of snow, it hangs 
In folds of wavy silver round, and clothes 
The orb w^ith richer beauties than her own ; 
Then passing, leaves her in her light serene. — Southey, 

The journey through Hfe is as Peter's walking 
on the water; and if Christ does not reach out 
his hand, we are every moment in danger of 
sinking. — Adam. 

THE WORLDLING AND THE CHRISTIAN. 
A GENTLEMAN ouce took a friend to the roof 
of his house, to show him the extent of his 
possessions. Waving his hand about, " There," 
said he, " is my estate." Pointing to a great 
distance on one side, " Do you see that farm ? 
Well, that is mine." Pointing again to the other 
side, " Do you see that house ? That also 



180 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

belongs to nie." In turn, his friend asked, " Do 
you see that httle village out yonder? Well, 
there hves a poor woman within that village who 
can say more than all this." "Ah! what can 
she say ?" " Why, she can say, Christ is 
MINE !" Indeed she was the richer of the tw^o. 



THE LAST DAYS OF DR. WATTS AND MR. 
HERVEY. 

When Dr. Watts was almost worn out and 
broken down by his infirmities, he observed, in 
conversation with a friend : " I remember an 
aged minister to say, that the most learned and 
knowing Christians, when they come to die, have 
only the same plain promises of the gospel for 
their support as the common and unlearned ; and 
so," said he, " I find it. It is the plain promises 
of the gospel that are my support ; and I bless 
God they are plain promises, that do not require 
much labor and pains to understand them ; for I 
can do nothing now but look into my Bible for 
some promise to support me ; I live upon that.'' 

This was likewise the case with the pious and 
excellent Mr. Hervey. He writes, about two 
months before his death, " I now spend almost 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 131 

my whole time in reading and praying over the 
Bible." And again, to another friend, near the 
same time : " I am now reduced to a state of 
infant weakness, and given over by my physician. 
My grand consolation is to meditate on Christ; 
and I am hourly repeatmg those heart-reviving 
lines of Dr. Young : — 

This — only this — subdues the fear of death. 
And what is this ? Survey the wondrous cure, 
And at each step let higher wonder rise ! 
Pardon for infinite offence ! And pardon 
Through means that speak its value infinite ! 
A pardon bought with blood ! With blood divine, 
With blood divine of Him I made my foe ! 
Persisted to provoke ! Though woo'd and awed, 
Bless'd and chastis'd, a flagrant rebel still ! 
A rebel 'midst the thunders of his throne, 
Nor I alone ! A rebel universe ! 
My species up in arms! Not one exempt! 
Yet for the foulest of the foul He dies ! 
Most joy'd for the redeem'd from deepest gulf ! 
As if our race were held of highest rank, 
And Godhead dearer, as more kind to man. 

I TRIED to make crooked things straight, till I 
have made these knuckles sore, and now I must 
leave it to the I.ord. — John Newton. 



182 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S PROSPECT. 

As when the weary traveller gains 
The height of some o'erlooking hill, 

His heart revives, if 'cross the plains 
He eyes his home, though distant still. 
A traveller, after a long journey, when he is 
wearj and faint, and sits down, if he see the town 
before him, it puts life into him, and he pkicks 
up his feet, and resolves not to be weary till he 
be at his journey's end. O look at the crown 
and white robe set before you, and faint if you 
can ; get on the top of Mount Nebo — look on 
the land of promise — those good things set before 
you : taste the grapes of Canaan before you 
come to Canaan. — Nalton. 

If an angel were sent to find the most perfect 
man, he would probably not find him composing 
a body of divinity, but perhaps a cripple in the 
poor-house, whom the parish wish dead, but 
humbled before God by far lower thoughts of 
himself than others think of him. — John Neivton, 

Live not upon the comforts of God, but upon 
the God of comforts. — Mason. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 183 

JESUS LIVES. 

At death, earthly friendships are dissolved; 
wdth the friend our comforts die, and the satis- 
faction we enjoyed in their society leaves only a 
painful remembrance of the pleasures we have 
lost. But Jesus lives for ever ! lives to make 
intercession for his friends above; to communi- 
cate constant supplies of grace to them below ; 
to guide them through all the scenes of mortal 
life; to crow^n them w^ith victory over the last 
enemy ; and to bring them safe to his glorious 
presence to live with him for ever and ever ! 
Happy, happy souls ! who have an interest in 
this all-sufficient, this everlasting Friend ! Bless- 
ed Jesus ! teach me to know thee and to love 
thee more ; let me hear the voice of thy sacred 
Spirit whispering to my heart that thou art mine ; 
assure me of my interest in thy almighty, thy 
unchangeable love ! then I shall be blest indeed. 
—Mrs. Steele. 

AM I A CHRISTIAN? 

" Examine yourselves whether ye be in the 
faith," says an inspired apostle. This duty, so 
important for all the professed disciples of Christ, 



184 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

is specially so for such of them as are advanced 
in years. A few more days, and the vahdity of 
their hopes for eternity must be tested in the 
immediate presence of the Searcher of hearts. 
Before him must they soon appear,— the Ancient 
of Days — whose " eyes are as a flame of fire," 
and whose decisions will be infallible and final. 

These thoughts, says an aged professor, have 
often occupied my mind, while contemplating 
my swift approach to eternity, and again and 
again have I asked myself. Am I Christ's, or am 
I not ? Soon I must go hence, — am I prepared 
to depart in peace t 

With all affection, aged friend, we come to 
proffer our aid in this solemn examination. 
Let us confer together upon this all-important 
matter. 

You have professed to be a child of God, and 
an heir of glory, — are you such, in truth ? 

The Scriptures affirm, that except a man be 
born again, he cannot sec the kingdom of God, 
and that he who believeth in Jesus shall be 
saved. If you, dear friend, have experienced 
that regeneration, and exercised that faith, they 
will have made that deep impression upon your 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 185 

heart, and character, and hfe, which will itself 
be a satisfactory witness. They are God's own 
w^ork, and they bring with them their own testi- 
mony. The changes they effect are radical and 
permanent and holy. Permit us to inquire, then, 
Have you ever observed any essential change in 
your views and feelings upon the great themes 
of rehgion, or are they substantially the same 
that they ever were ? Without asking you to 
refer to any particular day, or hour, or spot, we 
would ask. Were you ever disturbed by a sense 
of personal sinfulness and guilt, and of lying 
under the curse of God ? Were you ever con- 
scious of heartfelt sorrow, and of a feeling of 
deserved condemnation, for having sinned against 
a holy, good, and sovereign God ? Did you ever 
commit your soul into the hands of Jesus, to be 
w^ashed in his blood, and justified freely by his 
righteousness ? Has a change been experienced 
so great, that you can say. Whereas I w^as blind, 
now I see — dead, but now I live ? May it be 
compared to a new birth, a new creation in 
Christ? Can you ascribe it to a power no less 
than that of God ? 

And what have been its fruits ? Have you 

9# 



186 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

discovered in your heart a love to God and 
holiness, to w^hicli it was once a stranger? — a 
new love to the word of truth, to secret prayer, 
the communion of the saints, the worship of the 
sanctuary, and the precepts of Jesus Christ ? 
Have the inward workings of sin occasioned 
deep contrition and self-loathing 1 and has hke- 
ness to Christ appeared in your eyes the most 
desirable of all things ? Have you been 
accustomed to pray for the Holy Spirit to sancti- 
fy you wholly ? Have you hungered and thirsted 
after righteousness ? Have you mourned because 
your love to Christ and heavenly things was no 
more ardent ? Have you felt a new love to all 
mankind, a spirit of forgiveness under injuries, 
and a peculiar affection for the disciples of 
Christ ? 

When tried, disappointed, bereaved, has your 
heart quietly submitted to the divine will, or if 
murmurs against providence then arose, have 
godly sorrow succeeded, and earnest prayer for a 
spirit of patient waiting upon God ? Have you 
known the sweetness of resting upon the Lord 
and trusting his promises 1 Have the thoughts 
of heaven cheered your pilgriuiage ? Has God 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 187 

at times appeared eminently glorious? the 
Saviour superlatively precious, and worthy of all 
acceptation ? Has your whole experience led to 
a growing conjfidence in God's wisdom and love '? 
Has it led to a deeper conviction of the exceeding 
sinfulness of your nature, of the deceitfiilness of 
your heart, and of your constant dependence on 
the grace of God ? Has it given double assurance 
to your belief in the alone possibility of salvation 
through the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God ? 
And in contemplating your attainments in piety, 
do you say from the heart, By the grace of God 
I am what I am, and if I am ever saved, I 
shall be a sinner saved by grace. 

If, aged friend, you can, with humble grati- 
tude to God, give an affirmative answer to these 
inquiries, we encourage you to beheve that you 
are a disciple of Christ, and that he will own you 
as such in the great day. Yes, he who has 
begun a good work in you, will carry it on until 
the day of Jesus Christ. He will not forsake 
your grey hairs. He will guide you by his 
counsel, and afterwards receive you to glory. 
With an aged saint now at rest, you may say, 
There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 



188 THE EVENING OF LIFE» 

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give 
me. May the Lord grant you the full assurance 
of hope unto the end. 

But here is another aged pilgrim who speaks 
a different language. His feelings are those of 
mingled confidence and distrust. He hopes and 
fears, rejoices and desponds by turns. He is so 
painfully conscious of sin and imperfection in all 
his feehngs and services, that self-examination 
rather perplexes and discourages, than assures 
and comforts him. Oh, aged friend, thus writing 
bitter things against yourself, and almost ready to 
exclude yourself from any part in Christ's redeem- 
ing work, we would fain address to you a word 
of consolation. Be assured that there may be 
discerned in your exercises clear traces of the 
operation of divine grace. This tender con- 
science, this trembling solicitude, reveal, even 
amid the mists of unbehef, a heart that has 
mourned for sin, and that longs for freedom from 
its chains. The mere worldling is not conscious 
of such emotions. And yet you should deplore 
your deficiency of faith. Here probably hes the 
secret of your fears. You look too exclusively at 
your sinful heart, and forget the blessed, all-suffi- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 189 

cient Saviour. It is from him that peace must 
come — from his wounds, his groans, liis obedi- 
ence, his death, his intercession. Behold him as 
having borne the burden of your guilt, and let 
your soul find rest. Consider that he, as your 
substitute and surety, has effected and guaranteed 
your salvation. To make the number and 
greatness of your sins a reason for despair, is to 
limit the infinite fulness of his merits. He can 
save unto the uttermost. By believing, you 
glorify the Son of God. He invites you to 
believe. You are authorized, trembling one, on 
the word of God himself, to cast yourself as you 
are, immediately and wholly, upon the atonement 
of Christ, and to rejoice in hope of glory. 

But oh, if these pages should meet the eye of 
one aged reader, to whom all that we have said 
is but a strange language, we would w^ith all 
tenderness and plainness say to you, Dear friend, 
it is high time you had made your peace with 
God. Time presses on, death will soon be at 
the door, your hoary head and trembling steps 
are warnings not to be mistaken that your 
account must soon be rendered. Are you 
prepared to meet God in judgment ? Have you 



190 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

good reason to believe that your sios are forgiven 
through the merits of Christ, so that death would 
be gain? Alas, if jou hope to enter heaven 
except through Him who is the " w^ay," your 
hope will fail. And if you are trusting in him 
without having mourned for sin, without having 
felt that you were lost unless he should pardon 
and accept you, your trust will prove delusive. 
It is the penitent, broken-hearted sinner, to whom 
Jesus says. Thy sins are forgiven thee. Such he 
invites to come to him, even at the eleventh hour. 
Such he will in no wise cast out. His merits are 
infinite. He can save unto the uttermost. His 
blood cleanseth from all sin. Oh, aged traveller, 
your sun soon will set. Shall it go down in 
gloom ? Shall your feet stumble upon the dark 
mountains ? Think of your long life, of its 
numberless mercies from helpless infancy to old 
age. These were all God's gifts. Have they 
been thankfully received ? Have they led you 
to repentance? Sad account! A whole life of 
sin to answer for! God forgotten, the world 
loved, self regarded, Christ rejected ! Aged 
sinner ! your life may have been stained with no 
crime, but to forget God, to disobey God: this is 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 191 

a criminal offence in the sight of heaven. 
Quickly repent. To-day harden not your heart. 
Now is the day of salvation. To-morrow may 
be too late. 



LETTER TO AN AGED PERSON. 
[to an aged friend.] 

Much honored sir : — Grace, mercy, and peace 
be to you. I beseech you, sir, by the salvation 
of your precious soul, and the mercies of God, 
make good and sure work of your salvation, and 
try upon what ground-stone you have builded. 
Worthy and dear sir, if ye be upon sinking sand, 
a storm of death and a blast will loose Christ and 
you, and wash you off the rock! O for the 
Lord's sake, look narrow^Iy to the work. Read 
over your life with the light of God's daylight 
and sun. It is good to look to your compass, 
and all you have need of, ere you take shipping ; 
for no wind can blow you back again. Remem- 
ber, when the race is ended, and the flag either 
won or lost, and you are in the utmost circle and 
border of time, and put your foot within the 
march of eternity, all your good things of this 



192 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

short night-dream shall seem to you hke the 
ashes of a blaze of thorns or straw, and your 
poor soul shall be crying, Lodging, lodging, for 
God's sake ! Then shall your soul be more glad 
at one of your Lord's lovely smiles, than if you 
had the charters of three worlds for all eternity. 
Let pleasures and gain, will and desires of this 
world, be put over in God's hands, as arrested 
goods, that you cannot claim. Now when you 
are drinking the grounds of your cup, and are 
upon the utmost ends of the last link of time, 
and old age, like death's long shadow, is casting 
a covering upon your days, it is no time to court 
this vain life, and to set love and heart upon it : 
it is near after supper; seek rest and ease for 
your soul, in God through Christ Come in, 
come in to Christ, and see what you want, and 
find it in him : he is the short cut, as we used to 
say, and the nearest way to an out-gate of all 
your burdens. I dare avouch, you shall be 
dearly welcome to him. Angels' pens, angels' 
tongues, nay, as many worlds of angels as there 
are drops of water in all the seas and fountains 
and rivers of the earth, cannot paint him out to 
you. I think his sweetness, since I was a pri- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 193 

soner, has swelled upon me to the greatness of 
two heavens. O for a soul as wide as the 
utmost circle of the highest heaven that contain- 
eth all, to contain his love ! — Rutherford. 



THE EXPERIENCE OF JOHN NEWTON. 

You kindly inquire after my health : myself 
and family are, through the divine favor, perfectly 
well ; yet, heakhy as I am, I labor mider a 
growing disorder, for which there is no cure ; I 
mean old age. I am not sorry it is a mortal dis- 
ease, from which no one recovers : for who 
would live always in such a world as this, who 
has a Scriptural hope of an inheritance in the 
world of hght \ I am now in my seventy-second 
year, and seem to have lived long enough for 
myself I have known something of the evil of 
life, and have had a large share of the good. 1 
know what the world can do, and what it cannot 
do ; it can neither give nor take away that i?eace 
of God ivliich passeth all understanding ; it can- 
not soothe a w^ounded conscience, nor enable us 
to meet death with comfort. . . . The Gospel 
is a catholicon adapted to all our wants and all 



194 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

our feelings, and a suitable help when ever} 
other fails. — John Newton. 

He who sends the storm steers the vessel. — 

Adam. 

Know ye are as near heaven as ye are far 
from yourself, and far from the love of a bewitch- 
ing world. — Rutherford. 

Faith is the better of the free air, and of the 
sharp winter storm in its face. — Rutherford. 

THE TREMBLING CHRISTIAN. 

It is the duty of good people to labor after -a 
holy security and serenity of mind, and to use the 
means appointed for the obtaining it Give not 
way to the disquieting suggestions of Satan, and 
to those tormenting doubts and fears that arise in 
your own souls. Study to be quiet, chide your- 
self for your distrusts, charge yourselves to believe 
and to hope in God, that you may yet praise 
him. You are in the dark concerning your- 
selves ; do as Paul's mariners did, cast anchor 
and wish for the day. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 19 



O 



Poor, trembling Christian ! thou art tossed 
with tempests, and not comforted ; try to lay 
thee down in peace and sleep ; compose thyself 
into a sedate and even frame. In the name of 
Him whomwdnds and seas obey, command down 
thy turnnltuous thoughts, and say, " Peace, be 
still." Lay that aching, trembling head of thine 
where the beloved disciple laid his, in the bosom 
of the Lord Jesus; or, if thou hast not yet 
attained such boldness of access to him, lay thai 
aching, trembhng head of thine at the feet of the 
Lord Jesus, by an entire submission to him, say- 
ing, " If I perish, I will perish here :" put it into 
his hand by an entire confidence in him ; submit 
it^to his disposal, who knows how to speak to 
the heart. And if thou art not yet entered into 
this present rest that remaineth for the people of 
God, yet look upon it to be a land of promise, 
and, therefore, though it tarry, wait for it, (or the 
vision is for an appointed time, and at the end it 
shall speak and shall not lie. '' Light is sown 
for the righteous," and what is sown shall come 
up again at last in harvest of joy. — M. Henry. 



196 THE EVEiNING OF LIFE. 

The Aged Minister. — " Well, father /' 

was once said to a servant of Christ when past 
fourscore years, " on the whole, do you think you 
shall go to heaven when you die V — His instant 
reply was, " Why, \a here else should I go V as if 
the question surprised him. So in harmony was 
his soul with God, and purity, and heaven, that 
he seemed instinctively to look upward for his 
eternal home. 

THE AGED BELIEVER'S EXPERIENCE AND 
PROSPECTS. 

[from a letter to a friend.] 

Let it not be long before you inform me how 
you and all your family are. I hope the yoiftig 
ones grow and thrive like oHve plants, and that 
the elder branches of the family are planted and 
planting in the Lord's vineyard, and promise to 
be trees of righteousness, and to bear fruit in their 
old age. 

We are all much as we were, when we last 
saw you, only about a year and a month older : 
that is, so much the nearer to that gate which 
death will ere long open to introduce us to an 
eternal state. It is a solemn thought. How 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 197 

new and untried the passage! How inconceiv- 
able the prospect beyond it ! Formerly J have 
supposed that if I hved beyond the age of sixty, 
the nearness and importance of that ihange 
which I might then reasonably expect could not 
be far off, would be continually upon my mind. 
But now that I am near sixty-three, I find my- 
self httle more affected by it than I was thirty 
years ago. I may now be sure, that if grace 
does not weaken my attachment to the things of 
time, an advance in years will not do it. I am 
an inconsistent creature, and should be condemn- 
ed out of my own mouth by what I preach to 
others, if the Lord were strict to mark what is 
amiss. But I trust I am not under the law, but 
under grace. He knows my frame, that it is 
altogether shattered and defiled, and that I have 
no plea to offer in my own behalf; and therefore 
he has mercifully provided one for me, on which 
my soul desires wholly to rely. I have sinned, 
but Christ has died, has risen, and is exaUed a 
Prince and a Saviour, and upon the warrant of 
his own word, I venture my all upon him. I 
could complain much of myself, but you cannot 
help me; therefore I forbear. 1 would rather 



198 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

invite you to join with me in praise. " Come, 
magnify the Lord with me, and let us exak his 
holy name together." He found us when we 
sought him not ; then we began to seek him, and 
then he was pleased to be found by us. He has 
guided us by his eye, guarded us by the w^ay, 
restored us when wandering, revived us when 
fainting, healed us when wounded. He has 
known our souls in adversity, helped us in all 
our difficulties, comforted and supported us 
under all our sorrows. If we look around us, 
how are we distinguished by the mercies of his 
providence ; our wants supplied, our wishes 
almost prevented, comforts and friends on every 
side, and the green pastures of his ordinances 
near and frequent, to the refreshment of our 
souls. If we look forward, what unspeakably 
greater blessings ! We cannot conceive a thou- 
sandth part of what is signified by the white 
robes, the golden harp, the balm of life, the rivers 
of pleasure, which are prepared for the faithful 
follow^ers of the Lamb ! Can anything enhance 
the value of these blessings and these hopes, or 
heighten our obligations for them ? Yes, the 
consideration of the way in which they become 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 199 

ours. The smallest and greatest of them are all 
the price of blood. — John Newton. 

THE AGED AND THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 
The old Christian, who has by grace reached 
a somewhat more elevated ground than one 
beginning the spiritual journey, should remember 
the toils, conflicts, weakness, darkness, tempta- 
tions, and so forth, that made him groan and 
oftentimes ready to faint, in ascending to that 
point, that he may deal tenderly and gently \\\X\\ 
such as are yet laboring over the same ground. 
So desirous is the advanced Christian that others 
may have the same joy, that he is apt to forget 
there must first be the fight and the race. He 
calls on all to rejoice as he does ; to be dead to 
the world as he is ; to bathe in the sweet ocean 
of redeeming love, and to breathe freely in the 
pure element of holy communion. It is natural 
he should so speak; but this meat should be 
reserved for riper years ; and the milk of younger 
experience should be given to babes. In this 
thing I have erred, and now would correct my 
mistake. — Mrs. Hawkes. 



200 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. 

FRIEND, I stood beside thee at thy tomb, 
Filled with a thousand bleeding memories ; 
Thine image rose upon my thoughts, and filled 
My spirit with sad love, I thought, dear friend, 
That in the strife of thy long suffering 

1 had not mourned enough for one so loved. 
I then wept inly. But a thought returned. 
As though an angel clothed in shining raiment 
Stood by the ojaening tomb, and said, Weep not, 
For she is not in dust, but far away. 

Even with the deathless, where no pain can come- 
Beyond the reach of sorrows. Then I looked 
On those who stood with solemn aspect round, 
And knew w^e were the dead in sin, not thou ! 
Thou art not of the dead : or if so named. 
The tomb grows holy when we think of thee, 
No more the cavern of decay from w^hich 
The bosom shrinks appalled — but holy — holy — 
The sacred portal of the realm beyond 
Where they who follow thee are found wdth God. 

James Wills. 

The Death of Christ. — -Christ by his death 
slew for us our infernal foes ; by it he aboHshed 
death ; by death he destroyed him that had the 
power of death ; by death he took away the 
sting of death ; by death he made death a pleasant 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 201 

sleep to saints, and the grave for a while an easy 
house and home for the body. — Bunyan. 

I.ET dissolution come when it will, it can do 
the Christian no harm, for it will be but a passage 
out of a prison into a palace : out of a sea of 
troubles into a haven of rest; out of a crowd of 
enemies to an innumerable company of true, 
loving, and faithful friends; out of shame, 
reproach, and contempt, into exceeding great and 
eternal glory. — Bunyan. 

HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN. 

Only to be permitted to contemplate such a 
being as Jeliovah, to see goodness, holiness, 
justice, mercy, long-suffering and sovereignty 
personified and condensed ; to see them united 
with eternity, infinite power, unerring wisdom, 
omnipresence, and all-sufficiency; to see all these 
natural and moral perfections indissolubly united 
and blended in sweet harmony in a pure, spiritual 
being, and that being placed on the throne of the 
universe ; I say, to see this, would be happiness 
enough to fill the mind of any creature in 
existence. But in addition to this, to have this 

10 



202 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

ineffable being for our God, our portion, our all ; 
to be permitted to say, This God is our God 
for ever and ever ; to have his resplendent coun- 
tenance smile upon us ; to be encircled in his 
everlasting arms of power, and faithfulness, and 
love ; to hear his voice saying to us, I am yours 
and you are mine ; nothing shall ever pluck you 
from my hands, or separate you from my love, 
but you shall be with me where I am, behold my 
glory, and live to reign with me for ever and 
ever, this is too much ; it is honor, it is glory, it 
is happiness too overwhelming, too transporting for 
mortal minds to conceive, or for mortal frames to 
support. O then, in all circumstances, under all 
inward and outward afflictions, let the children 
of Zion be joyful in their king. 

You have, doubtless, often observed that when 
your minds have been intently and pleasingly 
occupied, you have become almost unconscious 
of the flight of time ; minutes and hours have 
flown away with apparently unusual swiftness, 
and the setting or rising sun has surprised you, 
long before you expected its approach. But in 
heaven, the saints will be entirely lost and 
swallowed up in God ; and their minds will be so 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 203 

completely absorbed in the contemplation of his 
ineffable, infinite, uncreated glories, that they will 
be totally unconscious how time, or rather, how 
eternity passes ; and not only years, but milHons 
of ages, such as we call ages, will be flown ere 
they are aware. Thus, a thousand years will 
seem to them but as one day, and yet so great, so 
ecstatic will be their happiness, that one day will 
be as a thousand years. And as there will be 
nothing to interrupt them, no bodily wants to 
call off their attention, no weariness to compel 
them to rest, no vicissitude of seasons, or of day 
and night, to disturb their contemplations: it is 
more than possible that innumerable ages may 
pass away, before they think of asking how long 
they have been in heaven, or even before they 
are conscious that a single hour has elapsed. 

How often. Christians, have your hearts been 
made to burn with love, and gratitude, and admi- 
ration, and joy, whilst Christ has opened to you 
the scriptures, and caused you to know a little 
of that love which passeth knowledge ! How 
often has one transient glimpse of the light of 
God's countenance turned your night into day, 
banished your sorrows, supported you under 



204 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

heavy afflictions, and caused jou to rejoice with 
joy unspeakable and full of glory I Oh, then, 
what must it be to escape for ever from error, 
ignorance, and darkness, and sin, into the region 
of bright, unclouded, eternal day ; to see your God 
and Redeemer, face to face ; continually to con- 
template, with immortal strength, glories so 
dazzhngly bright, that one moment's view of 
them would now, like a stream of lightning, turn 
your frail bodies into dust ; to see the eternal 
volume of the divine counsels, the mighty map 
of the divine mind, unfolded to your eager, 
piercing gaze ; to explore the heights and depths, 
the lengths and breadths of the Redeemer's love, 
and still to see new wonders, glories, and 
beauties, pouring upon your minds, in constant, 
endless succession, calling forth new songs of 
praise ; — songs in which you will unite, not, as 
now, with mortal companions and mortal voices, 
but wdth the innumerable choir of angels, with 
the countless myriads of the redeemed, all shouting 
wdth a voice hke the voice of many waters. Alle- 
luia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ! — 
Payson. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 205 

Those visions that the saved in heaven shall 
have of the love of Christ will far transcend our 
utmost knowledge here, even as far as the light 
of the sun at noon goes beyond the light of a 
blinking candle at midnight. — Bunyan, 

WONDERS OF PROVIDENCE. 

I HAVE no knowledge to take up the Lord 
in all his strange ways and passages of deep 
and unsearchable providences : for the Lord is 
before me, and I am so bemisted, that I cannot 
follow him ; he is behind me, and I am not 
aware of him ; he is above me, but his glory so 
dazzles my twilight of knowledge, that I cannot 
look up to him ; he is upon my right hand, and I 
see him not ; he is upon my left hand, and within 
me, and goeth and cometh, and his going and 
coming are a dream to me ; he is round about 
me, and compasseth all my goings, and still I 
have him to seek. He is every way higher, and 
deeper, and broader, than the shallow and ebb 
hand-bieadth of my short and dim light can take 
up ; and therefore I would my heart could be 
silent, and sit down in the learnedly-ignorant 
wondering at that Lord, whom men and angels 



206 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

cannot comprehend. I know the highest angels 
who see him face to face, see not the borders of 
his infiniteness. And therefore it is my happi- 
ness to look afar off, and to Hght my dark candle 
at his brightness, and to have leave to sit and 
content myself with a traveller's light, without 
the clear vision of an enjoyer. — Ruthe?ford, 

It is hard work to believe, when the course 
of providence goeth cross-ways to our faith, and 
when misted souls in a dark night cannot know 
east by west, and our sea-compass seemeth to 
fail us. Every man is a believer in daylight : a 
fair day seemeth to be made all of faith and 
hope. — Rutherford. 

Persecutions are beneficial to the righteous. 
They are a hail of precious stones, which, it is 
true, rob the vine of her leaves, but give her pos- 
sessor a more precious treasure instead. — Gossner. 

If ever I reach heaven, I expect to find three 
wonders there : first, to meet some I had not 
thought to see there ; second, to meet some 
whom I had expected to miss there ; but third. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 207 

the greatest wonder of all will be, to find myself 
there ! — Br, Watts. 

YOUTH AND AGE. 

The seas are quiet when the winds are o'er ; — 
So calm are we when passions are no more ! 
For then we know how vain it was to boast 
Of fleeting things, so certain to be lost. 

Clouds of afifection from our younger eyes 

Conceal that emptiness which age descries ; 

The soul's dark cottage, battered and decayed. 

Lets in new light through chinks that time has made. 

Stronger by weakness, wiser, men become, 
As they draw near to their celestial home ; 
Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view 
That stand upon the threshold of the new. — Waller. 

CHEERFULNESS. 

Cheerfulness and a festival spirit fill the soul 
full of harmony ; it composes music for churches 
and hearts; it makes and publishes glorifications 
of God ; it produces thankfulness, and serves the 
end of charity ; and when the oil of gladness 
runs over, it makes bright and tall emissions of 
light and holy fires, reaching up to a cloud, and 



208 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

making joy round about : and, therefore, since it 
is so innocent, and may be so pious and full of 
holy advantage, w^hatsoever can innocently minis- 
ter to this holy joy, does set forward the v^ork of 
religion and charity. — Jeremy Taylor, 

PLEASURES OF SONG. 
I LOVE to sino; when I am g:lad, — 

Song is the echo of mj gladness : 
I long to sing when I am sad, 

Till song makes sweet my very sadness : 
'Tis pleasant time when voices chime 

To some sweet rhyme in concert only ; 
And song to me is company, 

Good company, when I am lonely. » 

Whene'er T greet the morning light, 

My song goes forth in thankful numbers ; 
And, 'mid the shadows of the night, 

I sing me to my w^elcome slumbers : 
My heart is stirred by each glad bird, 

Whose notes are heard in summer's bowers ; 
And song gives birth to friendly mirth, 

Around the hearth in wintry hours. 

Man first learned song in Paradise, 

From the bright angels o'er him singing ; 

And in our home above the skies. 
Glad anthems are for ever ringing : 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 209 

God lends his ear, well pleased to hear 

The songs that cheer his children's sorrow ; 

Till day shall break, and we shall wake 
Where love will make unfading morrow. 

Then let me sing, while yet I may, 

Like him God loved, the sweet-toned Psalmist, 

Who found in harp and holy lay 

' The charm that keeps the spirit calmest : 

For sadly here I need the cheer. 

While sinful fear with promise blendeth ; 

Oh ! how I long to join the throng. 

Who sing the song that never endeth \—Bethune. 

Beholding God. — As, to a man who looks 
for a long time at the sun, the sun impresses 
itself upon everything ; so is it with the man 
who looks much at God. — Tauter. 

SPIRITUAL AFFECTIONS. 
Where affections are spiritually renewed, the 
person of Christ is the centre of them. He is the 
spring, by his Spirit, that gives them life, light, and 
being ; and he is the ocean that receives all their 
streams. God, even the Father, presents not 
himself in his beauty and amiableness as the 
object of our affections but as he is in Christ, 

10^ 



21U THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

acting his love in him. And as to all other 
spiritual things, renewed affections cleave to 
them according as they derive from Christ and 
lead to him ; for he is to them all and in all. It 
is he whom the souls of his saints love for him- 
self, for his own sake, and all other things in 
religion in and for him. 

The air is pleasant and useful, that without 
w^hich we cannot live or breathe ; but if the sun 
did not enlighten it, and warm it with his beams : 
if it were always one perpetual night and cold, 
what refreshment could be received bv it? 
Christ is the sun of righteousness, and if his 
beams did not quicken, animate, and enlighten 
the best, the most necessary duties of religion, 
nothing desirable would remain in them. This 
IS the most certain character of affections 
spiritually renewed. They can rest in nothing 
but in Christ ; they fix on nothing but what is 
amiable by a participation of his beauty; and in 
whatever he is, therein they find complacency.— ^ 
Dr, Owen. 

Aged Sinner. — If we see a man in his old 
age grow more in love with the things of this 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 211 

woild, and less in love with the things of God, it 
is not through the weakness of nature, but through 
the strength of sin. — Dr, Owen. 

THE PROGRESS OF GRACE IN' THE SOUL. 
The believer's feelings and experience in the 
different stages of the divine life are essentially 
and necessarily different. There is a dawning 
brightness, a vernal glow of freshness about the 
early days of grace, which must pass away, and 
can never be recalled again. This is not to be 
confounded with backshding or declension in 
grace. The blade of spring, indeed, gradually 
loses its freshness, and its verdant lovehness 
passes away; but it is ripening, not withering; 
and lovely as the budding verdure of spring is, 
the mellow glow of autumn is loveher. So it is 
with ripening as compared with early grace. 
Its impressions are less vivid, but they are more 
deep and abiding. Its feelings are less ardent, 
but they are calmer and hoUer. Its peace may 
not so overflow, but it ploughs a deeper channel. 
It is not so exulting and sanguine, but it is more 
solemn, more chastened, more lowly. There is 
less of the flesh, more of the spirit — less excite- 



212 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

ment, more grace. John, when now laden 
with years and labors he was carried into the 
congregation, and could only look round and smile, 
and say, " Little children, love one another," must 
have been much changed in feeling from what he 
was, when in the fire of his first love, he obtained 
the name of a ''son of thunder ;" and yet he was 
far liker Jesus, and far nearer glory. Therefore, 
beloved, be not cast down. Though feelings 
change, though comforts decline, though there be 
ups and downs, clouds and storms, as you travel 
on, still be of good courage, and hold on your 
way. Rather rejoice, and bless the Lord that he 
that began the good work is carrying it on, — that 
the long year of grace is gradually running its 
course ; that the spring is ah'eady over, that the 
summer is pressing on, and that amid changing 
suns and showers, storms and calms, you are 
ripening for the eternal harvest. Only seek to 
be holier, daily nearer the Lord, daily more like 
Jesus, and then all is vvell. Soon shall time give 
place to eternity. Soon shall sin, and sorrow, 
and change, end for ever. Soon shall the day 
break, and the shadows flee away. — Islcnj Burns, 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 213 

CHRISTIAISr EXPERIENCE. 
At first, in the early days of fresh experience 
and warm first love, the beUever shoots up like 
the palm-tree, and in a little time seems almost 
ripe for glory. His joyful steps, " like hinds' feet," 
carry him swiftly on, and before he has almost 
entered on the heavenly pilgrimage, he seems 
already on the very confines of Canaan. He 
breathes after heaven. He longs to be with 
Jesus. Heaven, though still future, seems already 
begun within him. His peace is as a river, his 
joy unspeakable and full of glory. The fountain 
of fife eternal gushes up within his heart. It is 
a very Beulah of holy peace, and love, and glad- 
ness, and the breezes of heaven are around him. 
He is already almost in glory ! Then he fondly 
dreams — but, alas ! it is but a dream. He is yet 
far from home. He is not " meet for the inherit- 
ance of the saints in light." His experience, 
joyful and blessed as it is, is yet superficial, in 
many points deceitful and unreal. His faith, 
though ardent and sanguine, is as yet little tried. 
His joy, so exulting and so full, is yet sadly mixed 
up with presumption and vain fleshly feeling. 
His love, though warm, is selfish — joying in the 



214 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Lord for his gifts, rather than for himself. The 
old man is yet strong within him. There are 
unfathomed depths of corruption within, of which 
he knows nothing. Self, that oldest and foulest 
idol, still lurks within, and has scarce as yet got 
one deadly wound. He has thus much to learn, 
much to suffer, and much to do, before he can 
overcome and be crowned. Hence he must go 
back to the wilderness again, and, like the 
redeemed flock in every age, pass " through great 
tribulations " — that, being refined by the furnace, 
and moulded and fashioned under Jehovah's 
hand as a vessel of mercy, he may be found at 
last unto praise, and honor, and glory, at the 
appearing of Jesus Christ. — Islay Burns. 

DEATH A BLESSING TO THE AGED SAINT. 

Tfie chief benefit of our age is, our near 
approach to our journey's end; for the end of 
all motion is rest : which when we have once 
attained, there is nothing but fruition. 

Now our age brings us, after a weary race, 
within some breathings of our goal : for if young 
men may die, old men must ; a condition which 
a mere carnal heart bewails, envying the oaks 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 215 

which many generations of men must leave 
standing and growing. 

No marvel : for the worldling thinks himself 
here at home, and looks upon death as a banish- 
ment: he hath placed his heaven here below, 
and can see nothing in his remove, but either 
annihilation or torment. 

But for us Christians, who know that while 
we are present in the body we are absent from 
the Lord, and account ourselves foreigners, our 
life a pilgrimage, heaven our home, how can we 
but rejoice, that after a tedious and painful 
travel, we now draw near to the threshold of our 
Father's house, wherein we know there are 
many mansions, and all glorious ? I could blush 
to hear a heathen say, " If God would offer me 
the choice of renewing my age, and returning to 
my first childhood, I should heartily refuse it ; 
for I should be loth, after I have passed so much 
of my race, to be called back from the goal to 
the bars of my first setting out ;" and to hear a 
Christian whining at the thought of his dissolu- 
tion ! Where is our faith of a heaven, if, having 
been so long sea-beaten, we are loth to think of 
putting into the safe and blessed harbor of im- 
mortality I — Bishop Hall. 



216 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Frailty of Age. — ^It is as natural for old age 
to be frail, as for the stalk to bend under the 
ripened ear, or for the autumnal leaf to change 
its hue. — Blair. 

CHRIST'S SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS. 

When on the fragrant sandal-tree 

The woodman's axe descends, 
And she, who bloomed so beauteously, 

Beneath the keen stroke bends. 
E'en on the edge that wrought her death, 
J)y'mg she breathes her sweetest breath, 
As if betokening in her fall 
Peace to her foes and love to all. 
How hardly man this lesson learns. 
To smile, and bless the hand that spurns ; 
. To see the blow, to feel the pain. 
But render only love again ! 
This spirit not to earth is given ; 
One had it, but He came from heaven. 
Reviled, rejected, and betrayed, 
No curse he breathed, no plaint he made ; 
But when in death's deep pang he sighed. 
Prayed for his murderers, and died. — Anon. 

DEATH A SLEEP. 
Thou art afraid of death : — when thou art 
weary of thy day's labor, art thou afraid of rest? 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 217 

Hear what thy Saviour, who is the Lord of 
Hfe, esteems of death : — " Our friend Lazarus 
sleepeth." 

So, the philosophers of old were wont to call 
sleep the brother of death: but God says, death 
is no other than sleep itself: a sleep both sure 
and sweet. When thou liest down at night to 
thy repose, thou canst not be so certain to awake 
again in the morning, as, when thou layest thy- 
self down in death, thou art sure to awake in the 
morning of the resurrection. Out of this bodily 
sleep thou mayest be startled with fearful dreams, 
wdth tumults, or alarms of war ; but here, thou 
shalt rest quietly in the place of silence, free 
from all inward and outward disturbances : while, 
in the meantime, thy soul shall see none but 
visions of joy and blessedness. 

But, oh the sweet and heavenly expression of 
our last rest, and the issue of our happy resusci- 
tation ! " For if we beheve that Jesus died and 
rose again, even so them also which sleep in 
Jesus, will God bring with him." So, our belief 
is antidote enough against the worst of death. 
And why are we troubled with death, when we 
believe that Jesus died ? and what a triumph is 



218 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

this over death, that the same Jesus who died 
rose again ! and what a comfort it is, that the 
same Jesus who arose shall both come again, and 
bring all his with him in glory ! and, lastly, what 
a strong cordial is this to all good hearts, that all 
those who die well do sleep in Jesus ! Thou 
thoughtest, perhaps, of sleeping in the bed of the 
grave, and there, indeed, is rest ; but he tells thee 
of sleeping in the bosom of Jesus, and there is 
immortahty and blessedness. — Bishop Hall. 

BENEFIT OF TEIALS. 

If the Lord is pleased to sanctify the infirmi- 
ties to which our present mortal frame is subject, 
we shall have cause to praise him at last, no 
less for the bitter than the sweet. I am con- 
vinced in my judgment, that a cross or a pinch 
somewhere or other, is so necessary to us, that 
we cannot go on well for a considerable time 
without one. We live on an enchanted ground, 
are surrounded with snares, and if not quickened 
by trials, are very prone to sink into formality or 
carelessness. It is a shame it should be so, but 
so it is, that a long course of prosperity always 
makes us drowsy. Trials, therefore, are medi- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 219 

cines, which our gracious and wise physician 
prescribes because we need them ; and he pro- 
portions the frequency and weight of them to 
what the case requires. Many of his people are 
sharply exercised by poverty, which is a con- 
tinual trial every day, and all the year round. 
Others have trials in their families. They who 
have comfortable firesides, and a competence for 
this world, often suffer by sickness, either in their 
own persons, or in the persons of those they love 
But any or all of these crosses are mercies, if 
the Lord works by them to prevent us from 
cleaving to the world, from backshding in heart 
or life, and to keep us nearer to himself. Let us 
trust our Physician and he will surely do us 
good. And let us thank him for all his pre- 
scriptions, for without them our soul-sickness 
would quickly grow upon us. — John Newton. 

If we saw our Father's house, and that great 
and fair city, the New Jerusalem, which is up 
above sun and moon, we w^ould cry to be over 
the water, and to be carried in Christ's arms out 
of this borrowed prison. — Rutherford. 



220 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

The Christian's Hope. — Time flies apace, 
and past troubles will return no more : every 
pulse we feel beats a sharp moment of the pain 
away, and the last stroke will come. Then 
sorrow and sighing shall flee aw^ay, and joy and 
gladness shall come forth to conduct us home. — 
John NeuJton. 

COMPLETE IN CHRIST. 

O HOW sweet to be wholly Christ's, and 
wholly in Christ! to be out of the creature's 
owning, and made complete in Christ, to live by 
faith in Christ ; and to be once for all clothed 
with the created majesty and glory of the Son of 
God, wherein he makes all his friends and follow- 
ers sharers ! to dwell in Immanuel's high and 
blessed land, and hve in that sweetest air, where 
no w^ind bloweth, but the breathings of the Holy 
Ghost : no seas nor floods flow, but the pure 
waters of life, that proceed from under the throne, 
and from the Lamb : no planting, but the tree of 
life that yieldeth twelve manner of fruit every 
month ! What do we here but sin and suffer ? 
O when shall the nights be gone, the shadows 
flee away, and the morning of that long, long 



THE EVENING OF LIFE 221 

day, without cloud or night, dawn ! The Spirit 
and the bride say, Come ; O when shall the 
Danib's wife be ready, and the Bridegroom say. 
Come ! — Ruthe7ford. 

FEAR OF DEATH. 

Thou fearest death : thou wert not a man, if 
thou didst not so : the holiest, the wisest, the 
strongest, that ever were, have done no less. 
He is the king of fear, and therefore may and 
must command it. Thou mayest hear the man 
after God's own heart say, '' The sorrows of death 
compassed me ; my soul is full of troubles, my 
life draweth nigh to the grave." Thou mayest 
hear great and good Hezekiah, upon the message 
of his death, chattering like a crane or a swallow, 
and mourning as a dove. 

Thou fearest as a man : I cannot blame thee : 
but thou must overcome thy fear, as a Christian ; 
which thou shalt do, if, from the terrible aspect 
of the messenger, thou shalt cast thine eyes upon 
the gracious and amiable face of the God that 
sends him. " Lo, our God is the God of salva- 
tion ; and unto God the Lord belong the issues 
of death." Make him thy friend, and death shall 



222 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

be no other than advantage. Precious in the 
sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.— 

Bishop Hall. ^ 

DEATH A BLESSING TO THE CHRISTIAN. 

" Better is the day of death than the day oi 
one's birth." Better, every way. Our birth 
begins our miseries ; our death ends them : our 
birth enters the best of men into a wretched 
world ; our death enters the good into a world of 
glory. Certainly, were it not for our unbelief, 
as we came crying into the world, so we should 
go singing out of it. And if some have solem- 
nized their birth-day with feasting and triumph, 
the church of old hath bestowed that name and 
cost upon the death's day of her martyrs and 
saints. — Bishop Hall. 

DEATH VANQUISHED. 

The power of death, the last enemy, is 
destroyed, as it respects all who beUeve in Christ. 
Instead of being the jailor of hell and the grave, 
he is now, as it respects Christ's people, the porter 
of Paradise. All he can now do is to cause 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 223 

them to sleep in Jesus, release their immortal 
spirits from the fetters which bind them to earth, 
and deposit their weary bodies in the tomb as a 
place of rest, till Christ comes at the last day, to 
raise them incorruptible, glorious, and immortal, 
and re-unite them to their souls in a state of 
perfect, never-ending felicity. — Fayson. 

THE HOPE OF THE CHRISTIAN. 
When the heathen Socrates was to die for his 
religion, he comforted himself with this, that he 
should go to the place where he should see 
Orpheus, Homer, Musseus, and the worthies of 
the former ages. Poor man ! could he have 
come to have known God manifested in the 
flesh, and received up into glory, and there, in that 
glorified flesh, sitting at the right hand of Majesty; 
could he have attained to know the blessed order 
of the cherubim and seraphim, angels, archangels, 
principalities, and powers, and the rest of the 
most glorious hierarchy of heaven ; could he have 
been acquainted with that celestial choir of the 
spirits of just men made perfect ; could he have 
reached to know the God and Father of spirits, 
the infinitely and incomprehensibly glorious 



224 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Deity, whose presence transfuses everlasting 
blessedness into all those citizens of glory ; and 
could he have known that he should have an 
undoubted interest instantly upon his dissolution, 
in that infinite bliss ; how much more gladly 
would he have taken oiF his hemlock, and how 
much more joyfully would he have passed into 
that happier world ! — Bishop Hall, 

DEATH OF JOHN BUNYAIST. 
He comforted those that wept about him, 
exhorting them to trust in God, and pray to him 
for mercy and forgiveness of their sins, telhng 
them what a glorious exchange it would be to 
leave their , troubles and cares of a wretched 
mortality to live with Christ for ever, with peace 
and joy inexpressible; expounding to them the 
comfortable scriptures by which they were to 
hope and assuredly come unto a blessed resur- 
rection in the last day. He desired some to 
pray with him, and he joined with them in 
prayer, and his last words, after he had struggled 
with a languishing disease, were these, " Weep 
not for me, but for yourselves : I go to the Father 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will, through the 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 225 

mediation of his blessed Son, receive me though 
a sinner, where I hope we ere long shall meet to 
sing the new song, and remain everlastingly 
happy, world without end." — From the earliest 
Biography of Bunyan. 



SONG OF DEATH. 

Shrink not, O Human Spirit, 
The Everlastinsr arm is strono; to save ! 
Look up, look up, frail Nature, put thy trust 
In Him who went down mourning to the dust, 

And overcame the grave ! 

Quickly goes down the sun ; 

Life's work is almost done ; 
Fruitless endeavor, hope deferred, and strife ! 

One little struggle more. 

One pang, and then is o'er 
All the long, mournful weariness of life. 

Kind friends, 'tis almost past, 

Come now and look your last ! 

Sweet children, gather near, 

And his last blessing hear, 
See how he loved. you who departeth now! 
And with thy trembhng step and pallid brow. 

O, most beloved one, 

Whose breast he leaned upon, 

Come, faithful unto death, 

Receive his parting breath. 

11 



226 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

The fluttering spirit panteth to be free, 
Hold him not back who speeds to victory ; 
The bonds are riven, the struggling soul is free I 

Hail, hail, enfranchised spirit ! 
Thou that the wine-press of the field hast trod ! 
On, blest immortal, on, through boundless space, 
And stand with thy Redeemer face to face ; 

And stand before thy God ! 

Life's weary work is o'er. 

Thou art of earth no more : 
No more art trammelled by the oppressive clay, 

But tread'st with winged ease 

The high acclivities 
Of truths sublime, up Heaven's crystalline way. 

Here no bootless guest ; 

The city's name is Rest ; 

Here shall no fear appal ; 

Here love is all in all ; 
Here shalt thou win thy ardent soul's desire ; 
Here clothe thee in thy beautiful attire. 

Lift, lift thy wondering eyes ! 

Yonder is Paradise, 

And this fair, shining band 

Are spirits of thy land ! 
And these that throng to meet thee are thy kin, 
Who have awaited thee, redeemed from sin ! 
The city's gates unfold — enter, oh ! enter in ! 

Household Words 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 227 

DEATH OF STANDFAST. 
When Mr. Standfast had thus set things in 
order, and the time being come for him to haste 
him away, lie went down to the river. Now there 
was a great calm at that time in the river ; 
wherefore Mr. Standfast, when he w^as about 
half way in, stood a while and talked to his 
companions that had waited upon him thither; 
and he said, " This river has been a terror to 
many : yea, the thoughts of it also have often 
frightened me! now, methinks, I stand easy; 
my foot is fixed upon that on which the feet of 
the priests that bore the ark of the covenant 
stood, while Israel went over this Jordan. The 
waters indeed are to the palate bitter, and to the 
stomach cold ; yet the thoughts of what I am 
going to, and of the convoy that waits for me on 
the other side, do he as a glowing coal at my 
heart. I see myself now at the end of my 
journey ; my toilsome days are ended. I am 
going to see that head that w^as crowned with 
thorns, and that face that was spit upon for me. 
I have formerly lived by hearsay and faith, but 
now I go where I shall live by sight, and shall be 
with him in wdiose company I deHght myself I 



228 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; and 
w^herever I have seen the print of his shoe in the 
earth, there I have coveted to set my foot too. 
His name has been to me as a civet-box, yea 
sw^eeter than all perfumes. His voice to me has 
been most svveet, and his countenance T have 
more desired than they that have most desired 
the light of the sun. His words I did use to 
gather for my food, and for antidotes against my 
faintings. He hath held me, and hath kept me 
from mine iniquities ; yea, my steps have been 
strengthened in his vv^ay." 

Now while he was thus in discourse, his coun- 
tenance changed, his " strong man bowed under 
him," and after he had said, " Take me, for I am 
come unto Thee," he ceased to be seen of them. 

But glorious it was to see how the open region 
was filled with horses and chariots, with trumpet- 
ers and pipers, with singers and players on 
stringed instruments, to welcome the pilgrims as 
they went up and followed one another in at 
the beautiful gate of the city — Bunyan. 

Death is the dropping of the flower, that the 
fruit may swell. — H. W. Beecher. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 229 

LONELINESS. 

In the hearts of the aged a feeling of loneli- 
ness is apt to dwell, — often as an invited and 
cherished guest. They seem to stand alone, hav- 
ing few interests or sympathies in common with 
those around them. Their day, they think, x. 
over; their labor past, their influence gone, it 
only remains that they await, as patiently as may 
be, the day of their death. While the young have 
their congenial circle, and manhood its thronged 
sphere of activity, they, the aged, must dwell 
apart and alone, already neglected and for- 
gotten, save that here and there lingers yet o 
solitary companion, like themselves, strangers in 
the earth. They live in the memory of departed 
scenes, snatching a brief pleasure from the retro- 
spect, oftener a lengthened sorrow. They re- 
visit the fountains where their childhood had 
drank many a cup of pleasure ; but, as they 
linger, the fountains cease to flow — they turn 
away to weep. And those who there had quaffed 
with them the exhilarating draught, where are 
they ? Long ago the silver cord was loosed, and 
the golden bowl broken at the cistern. What is 
there now to live for ? 



230 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

Into this hidden sanctuary of grief we would 
not intrude with words of harsh reproof. It is 
not without cause that the aged often yield to 
melancholy broodings. They have seen one and 
another of their companions fall around them, 
until few remain. They are conscious of gather- 
ing infirmities ; they cannot mingle as once in 
the gay or the rough scenes of life. The gal- 
lant ship, which had rode out many a storm, and 
carried many a precious freight, is now drawn up 
into the harbor, to engage no more in the strifes 
of the elements. 

But may not this feeling of isolation be in no 
small degree morbid and mistaken ? Often the 
aged have more and warmer friends than they 
are willing to believe. Often their opinions are 
respected where they imagine themselves alto- 
gether without influence. Often they have a 
mission to perform, less active, it may be, but no 
less real and blessed, than when their energies 
were at the full. Would they only place them- 
selves in closer sympathy with the younger gen- 
eration, and bring forth the ripened fruits of 
their long experience, they would find them- 
selves welcomed where they now feel that they 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 231 

are a burden. When wisdom falls kindly from 
aged lips, it makes. its way to the heart. 

Bat, at the worst as to earthly society, the true 
disciples of Christ have in him a friend ever at 
hand, who sticketh closer than a brother ; whose 
love knows no change, no abatement. Faith, 
which he most earnestly invites them to exercise, 
can surround them with his perpetual presence. 
They cannot be alone. He is more than sons and 
daughters, more than all the loved ones that are 
gone. He was of -old even from everlasting, yet 
upon him rests the dew of youth. He ever 
liveth a personal Friend. He is touched with 
the feeling of your infirmities, aged believers. 
Others may desert, but he remains true ; others 
may die, but he lives. And, besides, your aged 
friends who have slept in Jesus are still in him. 
You and they are in him. The sacred bond is 
unbroken. Absent in body, they are still with 
you in him. Earth and heaven are blended. 
On this ladder which Jacob saw, they who are 
gone may still come down to be with you. Soon 
you* shall mount up, and then you shall see them 
face to face. 



232 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

THE VALE OF TEARS. 
0, CHILD of grief, remember the vale of tears 
is much frequented ; thou art not alone in thy 
distress. Sorrow has a numerous family. Say 
not I am the man that hath seen affliction, for 
there be others in the furnace with thee. Ee- 
member, moreover, the King of kings once went 
through this valley, and here he obtained his 
name, '' the man of sorrows ; '' for it was while 
passing through it he became '' acquainted with 
grief." — Spurgeon. 

CHRIST A GUEST. 

If thou desirest Christ for a perpetual guest, 
give him all the keys of thine heart ; let not 
one cabinet be locked up from him ; give him 
the range of every room, and the key of every 
chamber ; thus you will constrain him to remain. 
— Spurgeon. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S THOUGHTS OF DEATH. 

As I grow older and come nearer to death, I 
look upon it more and more with complacent jjoy ; 
and out of every longing I hear Grod say, ''0, 
thirsting, hungering one, come to me ! What the 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 233 

other life will bring I know not, only that I shall 
awake in Grod's likeness, and see him as he is. 

Beat on, then, heart, and yearn for dying ! 
I have drank at many a fountain, but thirst came 
again ; I have fed at many a bounteous table, 
but hunger returned ; I have seen many bright 
and lovely things, but while I gazed their lustre 
faded. There is nothing here that can give me 
rest ; but when I behold thee, God, I shall be 
satisfied. — H. W. Beecher. 

FAITH. 

Alas ! it is the slowest and most painful les- 
son that Faith has to learn, — Faith, not Indiffer- 
ence, — to do steadfastly and patiently all that 
lies to her hand, and there leave it, believing 
that the Almighty is able to govern his own 
world. 

SOLITUDE. 

There is a solitude which old age feels to be 
as natural and satisfying as that rest which 
seems such an irksomeness to youth, but which 
gradually grows into the best blessing of our 
lives. And there is another solitude so full of 

IP 



234 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

peace and hope that it is like Jacob's sleep 
in the wilderness, at the foot of the ladder 
of angels. — Chambers' JournaL 

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. 

O, irEEM not the J are blest alone, 
Whose lives a peaceful tenor keep ; 

For God, who pities man, has shown 
A blessing for the eyes that weep. 

The light of smiles shall fill again 
The lids that overflow with tears ; 

And weary hours of woe and pain 
Are promises of happier years. 

There is a day of sunny rest 

For every dark and troubled night ; 

And grief may bide an evening guest, 
But joy shall come with early light. 

Nor let the good man's trust depart, 
Though life its common gifts deny ; 

Though, with a pierced and broken heart, 
And spurned of men, he goes to die. 

For God has marked each sorrowing day, 
And numbered every secret tear, 
And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay 
For all his children suffer here. 

Bryant. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 235 

EXCELLENCY OF CimiST. 

Christ is a flower, but he fadeth not ; he is a 
river, but he is never dry ; he is a sun, but he 
knoweth no eclipse ; he is all in all, but he is 
something more than all. — Spurgeon. 

NOT THE ONLY MOURNER. 

0, MOURNER, say not that thou art a target for 
all the arrows of the Almighty ; take not to thy- 
self the preeminence of woe : for thy fellows 
have trodden the valley too, and upon them are 
the scars of the thorns and briers of the dreary 
pathway. — Spurgeon. 

A BEAUTIFUL OLD AGE. 

Beautiful to behold is the old man whose 
heart still beats in warm sympathy with the gen- 
eration from which he is passing away. His 
setting sun casts its mild radiance over the world 
that he is leaving. He would not wrap him- 
self in clouds, as if in haste to withdraw his 
light, but would still shine on in gladness, as 
long as he lingers above the horizon. When he 



236 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

departs, he still lives on earth in the soft twi- 
light of his blessed memory. 

He is an old man ; he has passed through 
many trials, he has experienced the treachery 
of false friends ; but his heart is more tender 
than in his youth, his sympathies are deeper and 
broader. He does not withdraw within the nar- 
row circle of self, to brood over real or fancied 
slights ; he does not perpetually disparage the 
present in contrast with the past ; he does not 
turn scornfully away from everything new, as 
necessarily evil. He has turned his knowledge 
of the world to better account. Without the 
enthusiasm of his younger days, he is still hope- 
ful, but with a wise sobriety gained in a long 
and varied experience, wherein he has learned 
to distinguish between the seeming and the real, 
the ephemeral and the permanent. Thus he is 
fitted to be a wise counsellor, speaking the truth 
in love. Even his reproofs, so kindly uttered, 
are received with a feeling deeper than respect. 
The children flee not at his approach, for they 
know he has a pleasant word for them ; and 
when he changes his tone from gay to grave, 
and points to a loving Saviour, or to brighter 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 237 

worlds, they linger gladly in his presence. He 
is welcome everywhere. His hoary head is a 
crown of glory. Blessed old man, he has been 
with Jesus. The love of Christ constrains him. 
He shall not die unwept. 

I'M GROWING OLD. 

I 'm growing old — 't is surely so ; 

And yet how short it seems 
Since I was but a sportive child, 

Enjoying childish dreams ! 

I cannot see the change that comes 

With such an even pace ; 
I mark not when the wrinkles fall 

Upon my fading face. 

I know I 'm old ; and yet my heart 

Is just as young and gay 
As e'er it was before my locks 

Of bright brown turned to gray. 

I know these eyes to other eyes 

Look not so bright and glad 
As once they looked ; and yet 't is not 

Because my heart 's more sad. 

I never watched with purer joy 

The floating clouds and glowing skies, 

While glistening tears of rapture fill 
These old and fading eyes. 



238 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

And when I mark the cheek where once 
The bright rose used to glow, 

It grieves me not to see instead 
The almond crown my brow. 

I 've seen the flower grow old and pale, 
And withered more than I ; 

I 've seen it lose its every charm, 
Then droop away and die. 

And then I 've seen it rise again, 
Bright as the beaming sky, 

And young and pure and beautiful — 
And felt that so shall I. 

Then what if I am growing old ? — 
My heart is changeless still, 

And God has given me enough 
This loving heart to fill. 

I love to see the sun go down. 
And lengthening shadows throw 

Along the ground, while o'er my head 
The clouds in crimson glow. 

I see, beyond those gorgeous clouds, 
A country bright and fair, 

Which needs no sun : God and the Lamb 
Its light and beauty are. 

I seem to hear the wondrous song 
Redeemed sinners sing ; 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 239 

And my heart leaps to join the throng 
To praise the Heavenly King. 

I seem to see three cherub boys, 

As hand in hand they go, 
With golden curls and snowy wings, 

Whose eye& with rapture glow. 

When I was young I called them mine — 
Now Heaven's sweet ones are they ; 

But I shall claim my own again, 
When I am called away. 

Perhaps, when heaven's bright gate I 've passed, 

They '11 know from every other 
The one who gave them back to God, 

And haste to call me mother. 

! I am glad I 'm growing old ! 

For every day I spend 
Shall bring me one day nearer that 

Bright day that has no end. 

OLD AGE. 

The neglected portion of the great American 
family is old age — we are sorry to say. Not 
that we, as a nation, are disrespectful to the old, 
or that they are denied or grudged anything. 
We perform the negative duty to them, by avoid- 



240 THEEVENING OF LIFE. 

ing all which shall occasion to them ofFence or 
deprivation ; but we do not perform the positive 
duty of assiduously seeing that they occupy, 
always and only, the places of honor and promi- 
nence ; nor more particularly do we study to 
contrive, untiringly and affectionately, how to 
comfort, strengthen, cheer, and recuperate them. 
The old man in one house may have his chair in 
the drawing-room, and his place at the table, 
and be listened to when he speaks, and obeyed 
when he commands. But in another house he 
will have his easy-chair cushioned and pillowed, 
and his arm-chair at the table, and the cook will 
be busied most with what will newly nourish or 
refresh his more delicate appetite ; while all lis- 
ten first for his words, and address conversation 
to him as a centre, and eagerly seek for his com- 
mands as an authority. This (we assure the 
reader, from our own well-weighed observation 
in both countries) is a fair picture of the differ- 
ence between old age in America and old age 
in England. 

It is an unconscious fault in our country — 
an oversight of our life too busy, our attention 
too overtasked, and our plans of home and 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 241 

pleasure too unsettled and immature ; but the 
feeling for better things is in us, and time will 
bring this feeling into action. — N, P, Willis. 

The best and most polished nations of an- 
tiquity held the aged in high honor. Those of 
the same character among the moderns will find 
their highest good, as well as purest pleasure, 
in imitating their example. A tender sapling 
of the forest is doubtless an object of interest to 
every man of heart or taste ; but the oak that 
has braved a century of years cannot be passed 
by any being, but a savage, without strong emo- 
tion and profound veneration. — Newark Daily 
Advertiser. 

HOW TO BE HAPPIER. 
Said a venerable farmer, some eighty years 
of age, to a relative who visited him, ^' I 
have lived on this farm for more than half a 
century. I have no desire to change my resi- 
dence as long as I live on earth. I have no 
desire to be richer than I now am. I have wor- 
shipped the God of my fathers with the same 
people for more than forty years. During that 



242 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

period I have been rarely absent from the sanc- 
tuary on the Sabbath, and have never lost but 
one communion season. I have never been con- 
fined to my bed by sickness a single day. The 
blessings of life have been richly spread around 
me, and I made up my mind, long ago, that if I 
wished to become happier, I must have more 
religion.'' 

Here thou art but a stranger, travelling to 
thy country, where the glories of a kingdom are 
prepared for thee ; it is, therefore, a huge folly 
to be much afflicted because thou hast a less 
convenient inn to lodge in by the way. 

GKOWING OLD. 
To ''grow old gracefully,'' is a good and 
beautiful thing ; to grow old worthily, a better. 
And the first effort to that end is not only 
to recognize, but to become personally reconciled 
to, the fact of youth's departure ; to see, or, if 
not seeing, to have faith in, the wisdom of 
that which we call change, yet which is in truth 
progression ; to follow, openly and fearlessly, 
in ourselves and our own life, the same law 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 243 

which makes spring pass into summer, summer 
into autumn, autumn into winter, preserving an 
especial beauty and fitness in each of the four. 

Yes, if women could only believe it, there is a 
wonderful beauty even in growing old. The 
charm of expression arising from softened tem- 
per or ripened intellect often amply atones for 
the loss of form and coloring ; and, conse- 
quently, to those who never could boast either 
of these latter, years give much more than they 
take away. Many a one, who was absolutely 
plain in youth, thus grows pleasant and well- 
looking in declining years. — Chambers' Journal. 

CHRIST THE FOUNDATION. 
Men who build on any other foundation than 
the rock Christ Jesus are like birds that build 
in trees by the side of rivers. The bird sings in 
the branches, and the river sings below, but all 
the while the waters are undermining the soil 
about the roots, till, in some unsuspected hour, 
the tree falls with a crash into the stream ; and 
then its nest is sunk, its home is gone, and the 
bird is a wanderer. But birds that hide their 
young in the clefts of the rock are undisturbed, 



244 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

and, after every winter, coming again, they find 
their nests awaiting them, and all their life long 
brood the summer in the same places, impreg- 
nable to time or storm. — H, W. Beecher. 

PEACE IN GOD. 

"Let my soul calm itself in Thee ; I say, let the great sea of my 
soul, that swelleth with waves, calm itself in Thee." — St. Augustine, 

Life's mystery — deep, restless as the ocean — 
Hath surged and wailed for ages to and fro ; 

Earth's generations watch in ceaseless motion, 
As in and out its hollow moanings flow ; 

Shivering and yearning by that unknown sea, 

Let my soul calm itself, Christ, in thee ! 

Life's sorrows, with inexorable power. 

Sweep desolation o'er this mortal plain ; 
And human loves and hopes fly as the chaff 

Borne by the whirlwind from the ripened grain. 
Ah, when before that blast my hopes all flee. 
Let my soul calm itself, Christ, in thee ! 

Between the mysteries of death and life 

Thou standest, loving, guiding — not explaining ; 

We ask, and thou art silent — yet we gaze. 

And our charmed hearts forget their drear complaining ! 

No crushing fate, no stony destiny ! 

Thou Lamb that hast been slain, we rest in thee ! 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 245 

The many waves of thought, the mighty tides, 
The ground-swell that rolls up from other lands, 

From far-off worlds, from dim eternal shores. 

Whose echo dashes on life's wave-worn strands, — 

This vague, dark tumult of the inner sea 

Grows calm, grows bright, risen Lord, in thee ! 

Thy pierced hand guides the mysterious wheels ; 

Thy thorn-crowned brow now wears the crown of power ; 
And when the dark enigma presseth sore. 

Thy patient voice saith, " Watch with me one hour ! " 

As sinks the moaning river in the sea 

In silver peace, so sinks my soul in thee ! 

H. B. Stawe. 

EVEEY MAN'S LIFE A PLAN OF GOD. 
Every human soul has a complete and perfect 
plan cherished for it in the heart of God — a 
divine biography marked out, which it enters 
into life, to live. This life, rightfully unfolded, 
will be a complete and beautiful whole ; an 
experience led on by God, and unfolded by the 
secret nurture of the world ; a drama cast in the 
mould of a perfect art, with no part wanting ; 
a divine study for the man himself, and for 
others ; a study that shall forever unfold, in 
Avondrous beauty, the love and faithfulness of 
God ; great in its conception, great in the 



246 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

divine skill by which it is shaped ; above all, 
great in the momentous and glorious issues it 
prepares. What a thought is this for every 
human soul to cherish ! What dignity does it 
add to life ! What support does it bring to the 
trials of life ! What instigation does it add to 
send us on in everything that constitutes our 
excellence ! We live in the divine thought. 
We fill a place in the great everlasting plan of 
God's intelligence. We never sink below his 
care, never drop out of his counsel. — Dr. Bush- 
mil. 

Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it ; 
and when thou hast it, keep it, for I cannot 
keep it for thee ; and save me in spite of 
myself, for Jesus Christ's sake. — Fenelon. 

Kind words are the brightest flowers of 
earth's existence ; they make a very paradise 
of the humblest home the world can show. Use 
them, especially around the fireside circle. They 
are jewels beyond price, and more precious to 
heal the wounded heart, and make the weighed- 
down spirit glad, than all other blessings the 
earth can give. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 247 

TWO IN HEAVEN. 

''You have two children," said I. 

''I have four/' was the reply; ''two on 
earth, two in heaven." 

There spoke the mother ! Still hers, only 
gone before ! Still remembered, loved, and cher- 
ished, by the hearth and at the board ; their 
places not yet filled, even though their suc- 
cessors draw life from the same faithful breast 
where their dying heads were pillowed. 

" Two in heaven ! " 

Safely housed from storm and tempest. No 
sickness there, nor drooping head, nor fading 
eyes, nor weary feet. By the green pastures, 
tended by the Good Shepherd, linger the little 
lambs of the heavenly fold. 

" Two in heaven ! " 

Earth less attractive ; eternity nearer ; invis- 
ible cords drawing the maternal soul upwards. 
" Still, small voices " ever whisper " Come ! " 
to the world-weary spirit. 

" Two in heaven ! " 

Mother of angels, walk softly ! Holy eyes 
watch thy footsteps ; — cherub forms bend to 



248 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

listen ! Keep thy spirit free from earth-taint ; 
so shalt thou go to them, though they may not 
return to thee. 

KECOGNITION IN HEAVEN. 
I MUST confess, as the experience of my own 
soul, that the expectation of lovimg m.y friends 
in heaven principally kindles my love to them 
while on earth. If I thought I should never 
know them, and consequently never love ,them, 
after this life is ended, I should number them 
with temporal things, and love them as such ; 
but I now converse with my pious friends in a 
firm persuasion that I shall converse with them 
forever ; and I take comfort in those that are 
dead or absent, believing that I shall shortly 
meet them in heaven, and love them with a 
heavenly love. — Baxter. 

THE OTHER SIDE. 
Once, on the Thames, the boat in which 
Archbishop Leighton was with others came 
near going to the bottom. The rest w^ere pale 
with terror, but he was perfectly calm. To 
some who expressed astonishment at his serenity 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 249 

and self-possession, he replied, " Why, what 
harm would it have been, if we had been safely 
landed on the other side ? ' ' 

DYING IN CHRIST. 
The graves are no longer silent, since the 
grave of Jesus is open. The tombstones upon 
which the cross stands press not heavily. In 
every burial-ground I hear the words, ^^ I live, 
and ye shall live also." — Tholuck. 

The true Christian is always young. — Schleier- 
macher. 

HEAVEN'S REVELATIONS. 

The entering into heaven will reveal many 
things unknow^n on earth. Some whom the 
world thought saint-like will barely gain admit- 
tance there ; and others, who went all their lives 
in doubt and dread, will have angelic welcome, 
and an abundant entrance into the heavenly 
kingdom. '' The first shall be last, and the last 
shall be first.'' — H. W. Beecher. 

MAN'S LIFE. 
The life of every man is as the well-spring 
of a stream, whose small beginnings are indeed 

12 



250 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

plain to all, but whose ulterior course and desti- 
nation, as it winds through the expanses of 
infinite years, only the Omniscient can discern. 
— Carlyle. 

A WOKLDLY OLD MAN. 

There is not a more repulsive spectacle than 
an old man who will not forsake the world, which 
has already forsaken him. — Tholuck. 

AGED SINNERS/ 

Like the worm clinging to the withered leaf, 
they feed upon the faded memories of departed 
days, which shall never return. — Tholnck. 

OLD AGE. 

Old age, says the proverb, is a courtier ; he 
knocks again and again at the window and at 
the door, and makes us everywhere conscious of 
his presence. Woe to the man who becomes 
old without becoming wise ; woe to him if this 
world shuts the door without the future having 
opened its portals to him. — Tholuck. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 251 

THE DEATH OF MOSES. 

Sweet was the journey to the sky 

The wondrous prophet tried ; — 
" Climb up the mount," said God, " and die ! " 

The prophet climbed and died. 

Softly his fainting head he lay 

Upon his Maker's breast ; 
His Maker kissed his soul away. 

And laid his flesh to rest. 

In Grod's own arms he left the breath 

That God's own Spirit gave; 
His was the noblest road to death, 

And his the sweetest grave. — Watts. 

THAT DEAE OLD SOUL. 
'' That dear old soul ! " The very words 
bring up vividly to the mind's eye one long since 
gone to her rest, to whose name they were for 
years a sweet appendage. When first we saw 
her, her hair was blanched by many winters and 
many sorrows ; but each of those winters had 
been succeeded by a balmy spring, each sorrow 
by a sanctified joy. Never till then did age 
seem beautiful. I had regarded one advanced in 
years like a tree in autumn, stripped of its 
leaves, robbed of its fruit, and standing only for 



252 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

the mad winds and the wild storms to whistle 
through and beat against. But in " Mother 
Allen " I saw the leaves only nipt and faded, — 
the tree stood firm and strong, with its boughs 
still bending beneath their weight of golden 
fruit. 

Her abundant hair was soft and silvery white, 
daubed with no vile dye, and hidden beneath no 
tress stolen from the brow of youth. It was 
combed plainly over that calm, pure brow, which 
even time had not the power to wrinkle. Beau- 
tiful she could never have been even in sunny 
girlhood, for her features were large and irregu- 
lar ; but lovely she was, even to the eyes of 
strangers, who had yet to learn her worth. Her 
eyes were deeply set, giving an earnest, thought- 
ful expression to her face, while the calm smile 
on her lips told of the perfect peace which dwelt 
in her bosom. In her face one might have found 
a fulfilment of the promise, ''He shall have 
perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." 

Mother Allen was no lady of leisure, with 
nothing to disturb her mind or interfere with her 
tranquillity. In early life, while her children 
were with her, she was called to drink the cup 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 253 

of poverty and unrequited love, to the very dregs. 
Many an hour of anguish did she pass in com- 
paring the happy days of her maidenhood with 
her then present cruel desolation. Many a night, 
while the tempest roared among the trees which 
surrounded her comfortless home, Avhile he who 
had sworn to protect her was a wanderer in the 
haunts of vice, did she kneel beside her sleeping 
babes, and plead with her mother's God that He 
would shield the defenceless stranger and her 
darling little ones. How often, in solemn mid- 
night, did her plaintive voice mingle with the 
murmuring of the pines, while she pleaded with 
Him who " heareth the young ravens when they 
cry," that He would send bread in the desert to 
those who were of more value than they ! In her 
agony for her husband, she would sometimes 
almost forget the temporal wants of her family, 
and cry unto Him who came to seek the lost that 
He would restore the beloved, deluded wanderer, 
back to purity, to home, and to duty. And she 
brought her case before the throne as if vshe ex- 
pected an answer of mercy. When the morning 
broke upon her sleepless eyes, she would gaze 
from the door of her unfinished dwelling on all 



254 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

the beauties God had spread out to cheer the 
heart of the weary. And for these she offered 
heartfelt praise. Some persons, when in anguish 
of spirit, almost reproach nature for its calm, 
joyous course. They feel as if it heightened 
their sorrow to see all things gay around them ; 
they feel that nature should cast off her mantle 
of green, and robe herself in sackcloth ; that the 
flowers should wither, the stars fade, the sun 
hide its face, and the birds change their warbles 
into w^ailing dirges, all because one soul is in 
heaviness. But not so was it with the pure- 
hearted, the refined Ruth Allen. She thanked 
Heaven that when all was darkness and desola- 
tion w^ithin, she could look abroad upon a world 
of light and beauty ; that when earthly love had 
deceived her, she could cast herself still on the 
bosom of One whose love and compassion are in- 
finite. She saw the lily that, without care or 
labor, was so richly clothed ; the wanton birds 
who were so tenderly sheltered and sustained ; the 
lowing herds trampling down their abundant pro- 
vision in field and meadow ; and she raised her 
earnest eyes to heaven, whispering, in childlike 
faith, " Father, wilt thou not much more care for 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 255 

me and mine ? " And think you that the young 
wife and mother pleaded in A^ain ? Never. ' ' If 
ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto 
your children, how much more shall your Father 
which is in heaven give good things unto them 
that ask him ? ' ' 

While Euth Allen was yet speaking, her 
prayer was answered. A solemn providence, 
which deprived an evil associate of life in a 
moment, roused the sleeping conscience of her 
husband. God spoke, and he was reclaimed. 
As a humble penitent he sought mercy of 
Heaven, and forgiveness of her whose young 
hopes he had so cruelly blighted. Old things 
Avith him were passed away, and all things be- 
come new. God smiled abundantly on the labor 
of their hands. The showers fell freely, and 
the sun lay long upon their meadows ; their 
flocks multiplied in the pasture, and their cattle 
in the stall. They now had bread enough and to 
spare ; and she whose eyes had faded by stitch- 
ing wearily over the dull midnight lamp, patch- 
ing the rags of her children, had now the joy of 
seeing them comfortably and decently clothed. 
Her grateful heart was full to overflowing. God 



256 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

had given her more of temporal good than 
her humble spirit had ever craved. He alone 
knoweth how much of this earthly good was 
given in approbation of her affectionate trust in 
Him. 

'' But shall a man receive good at the hand of 
the Lord, and not evil ? " No ; for '^ the day of 
prosperity and the day of adversity are set one 
over against the other." While the long- deserted 
home was beginning to bud and blossom like a 
rose, the angel of death sped thither and over- 
shadowed their dwelling with his dark wing. The 
first-born, who had been his mother's stay, who 
had sympathized in her anguish, kissed away her 
tears, and whispered, '' Wait a while, mother; in 
thirteen short years I '11 be a man, and then you 
shall never suffer any more;" — he, the child of 
her love and her sorrow, was taken away, and 
his place left vacant in the little bed, at the 
board, and at the hearthstone. She had then no 
time for tears — her care was all for the other two, 
who, while their brother slept in peace, were 
tossing in burning fevers on their bed of pain. 
The second, and then the third, in one short 
week, were laid beside him in the little grave- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 257 

yard of the new settlement ; and the home of Ruth 
Allen, which so lately had rung with the merry 
laughter of three noble boys, was left unto her 
desolate. How desolate, bereaved mothers only 
can know. Did she not wrap herself in deep 
gloom, and weep as one who would not be com- 
forted, when this great calamity befell her ? 
No ; she gave her sons to God — they were not 
torn from her. So far from charging God fool- 
ishly, she even thanked him that, while many 
wretched mothers were weeping over ruined sons, 
she had the assurance that her whole family were 
folded forever in the bosom of Infinite Love, — se- 
cure from hunger, neglect, temptation, and pain. 
Then, when this free-will offering had been made 
to Heaven, did she, with a chastened mien, 
go abroad among the poor and vicious, seeking 
for children to fill the places thus made vacant. 
During the ten years that followed, four name- 
less little ones were received into her family and 
her heart. What had once been a forest settle- 
ment was fast changing into the metropolis of a 
growing State. Wealth flowed in upon farmer 
Allen, by the sale of his rich lands. Servants 
and laborers filled their house and grounds, and 

12^ 



258 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

to all of them his wife was as a mother. She 
addressed each dependent as " child/' and they 
were constrained to believe that in all her deal- 
ings she had their welfare at heart. Then she 
began to be called '^our misthress, dear^sowl/' 
and then the neighbors and friends, and finally 
everybody, called her '' Mother Allen, dear soul/' 
A rude emigrant, all unused to such gentle tones 
as hers, exclaimed, after being a week or two 
beneath her roof, ''Sure, I thought afoorl coom 
to this hoose that Protestants were all like wild 
bastes. I was taught by my moother — rest her 
so wl ! — that not a fut of thim hiritics could iver 
inter hiven, unless they first coom into the hooly 
moother choorch. But if that same is thrue, it's 
meself would rather be after living forever with 
the likes of my misthress, dear sowl, than in 
hiven itself, among my own coonthry folk ; for 
it 's drinking and fighting they be foriver, when 
there be so many of thims togither, and not a 
Protestant at all there to separate thim and make 
pace. Och, och, but there 's hivin in her eyes — 
my misthress, dear sowl ! " 

Mother Allen had her trials among the many 
working people her husband employed. Her 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 259 

confidence was often abused, and her disinter- 
ested love repaid with black ingratitude. But 
through all she remained the same. No ear ever 
heard her taunt these rude children of oppression 
with their foreign birth, their early poverty, 
their false religion. She reasoned with them as 
human beings, she entreated them /or their own 
sakeSj and wooed them back to duty by her pa- 
tient efforts. Many a lady, reared in a home of 
elegance, might have learned lessons of dignity 
and propriety from Mother Allen, in her inter- 
course with and management of her servants. 
In no way is the true lady more readily distin- 
guished from the counterfeit than in her deport- 
ment towards these humble members of her 
family. 

The love of this dear woman began at home, 
but it did not end there. The sufferer every- 
where found in her a friend, the erring and fallen 
a mother and an encouraging counsellor. In 
her closet, at her fireside, over her work, among 
her neighbors, in the church of God, everywhere, 
it was evident that she lived not unto herself. 
The most hardened scoffer was forced to admit 
that she was a bright and shining light, a 



260 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

beautiful example for the wives and mothers 
around her. The law of kindness was ever 
on her tongue, and the gentlest and tender- 
est rebuke ready on her lip. Many a youth, 
who had scorned a father's counsel and despised 
a mother's entreaties, won by the affectionate 
interest and sweet tones of Mother Allen, has 
listened respectfully to her earnest warning, and 
been drawn by her efforts to forsake the seat of 
the scorner and to seek God's house. 

But the place where this good woman's influ- 
ence was the most deeply felt — and it was a 
place she coveted — was at the bed of pain. The 
young, who, having been often reproved, had 
hardened their hearts, would call for her in 
the hour of their souls' extremity. ^^0," cried 
one such, ''I cannot look upon my afflicted 
father, I cannot see the pastor, — his face would 
only remind me of the many warnings I have 
received unheeded from his lips. But bring 
Mother Allen to me. I can almost see 'hope' 
now in the memory of her dear face. Let her 
come and teach me — let her come, and^ with her 
faith ^ pray for me." 

But the frosts of age fell upon her ; its infirm- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 261 

ities bound her fast, so that she could no longer 
go about doing good. But when she could not 
go out to her work, the work came in to her. 
The winter of her life had no long, dark days, no 
listless melancholy, no fretful murmurings. She 
moved around her house in a wheel-chair, de- 
manding little care, but receiving much, — the 
object of a thousand little acts of delicate love, 
which money could never purchase. A domestic, 
being asked if she were not weary, replied, '' No ; 
I'm never weary in waiting upon her^ for her 
patience would shame me, if I were/' 

Mother Allen had learned that most beautiful 
lesson for woman, how to '' grow old grace- 
fully." She was not only borne with, but she 
was really admired for her age, and the charms 
that clustered around it. Life's sun, which had 
been so often concealed by clouds, had its setting 
in a calm, bright sky. We may almost say of 
her that she never died, her going was so like 
sinking into a quiet sleep. It was one cold, 
bright day in winter that she entered into her 
rest. Her chair had been drawn to the western 
window, that she might use the last of daylight 
in finishing one of several little garments for a 



262 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

suffering family. The last stitch was set, the last 
button sewed on, her thimble was placed on the 
window-seat, and the spectacles lay in her hand. 
She was noticed gazing at the gorgeous sunset, 
whose splendor was reflected upon snow and ice- 
clothed trees, making the whole scene like a world 
of diamonds. The cheerful bell rang for tea ; 
her aged companion and her attendant came to 
draw her chair into the dining-room. Each took 
an arm of it, when her husband said, '' She is 
asleep, dear soul! '' It was the sleep that knows 
no waking. She was not, for God had taken her. 
— /. D. C. 

THE FRUITFUL CHUISTIAN'S END. 
When in the evening, after a hot day, one 
returns to his home laden with fruit, all the 
dwellers rejoice. Thus I see thee, thou^pure, 
blessed spirit, enter into thy Father's home, and 
the dwellers in heaven rejoice. — Tholuck. 

SUFFERING WITH CHRIST. 
Shall I not be ashamed of the roses around 
my brow, when I see Him, and all the princes 
of his kingdom, with the crown of thorns ? — Tho- 
luck. 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 263 

THE SYMPATHY OF JESUS. 

When two persons meet who are able to re- 
count similar necessities, and the same buffet- 
ings of Satan, 0, what mutual disclosures take 
place ! what trustful communicativeness, what 
tender sympathy, is then manifest ! Then one 
soul gushes out and flow^s over into the other, 
and time steals rapidly on. But, on the other 
hand, toward one who knows not our needs by 
experience, we are dumb, reserved, and take no 
pleasure in communicating, because w^e fear that 
he will be able neither to understand nor sympa- 
thize with us. 

So, indeed, would we have kept further away 
from our heavenly Friend, had he not become 
our companion in tribulation. But now the 
thought is exceedingly refreshing, that he him- 
self was tempted in all points like as w^e are, 
and knows the bitterest anguish of our soul from 
his own experience. Now, even though no fel- 
low-man understands us, ah ! still w^e know there 
is yet one Friend at hand, to whom we need but 
lisp a word of our affairs and concerns, and he 
at once comprehends all we feel. His experi- 



264 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

ence reaches down into the thickest nights of the 
soul — into the most frightful depths of inward 
sufferings or conflicts. 

Under no juniper-tree canst thou sit, which 
has not overshadowed him ; no thorn can wound 
thee, from which his heart has not bled ; no 
fiery dart can hit thee, which has not been shot 
at his sacred head. He can indeed have com- 
passion. Yes, only believe it, dear soul ; as 
often as thou liest in the furnace, over thee the 
eyes of the watchful Eefiner melt in tears, and 
a great, holy mother-heart bleeds for thee in 
sympathy from heaven. — Krummacher. 



MY GRANDMOTHEE. 

What tender recollections cluster round thy 
name, cherished friend of our childhood days ! 
How quickly the name of grandmother reaches 
our ears, leading us far back into the half-for- 
gotten past, when we all, light-hearted and free, 
sat at her feet. 0, blissful hours they were — 
all too bright, too gladsome, to be lasting! Yes, 
the hours spent at grandma's home shed a 
bright halo over the present. Her home was 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 265 

not one to attract a stranger ; there were no 
costly displays of architecture, no vine-festooned 
bowers, but simply a little farm-house, that ever 
created emotions of beauty in my young heart. 
Methinks I see it now, as when I last visited it 
before she was called to her last, long sleep, — 
with the old well-sweep that seemed to vie with 
the towering elm at its side, the brook that 
flowed gently o'er its pebbly bed, on, on, down 
to the rustic old mill, whose ''rafters have all 
tumbled in," and the orchard that reached far 
along the hillside — even to the silent city of the 
dead. Oft had I wandered there alone among 
the mounds, with thoughtful heart ; and now — 
tread lightly, speak softly, for do ye not see 
that '' short and narrow bed," newly made, and 
will ye not 'ask Heaven's blessing upon the 
household band that have been made desolate ? 

Ah, well do I remember the beautiful smile 
that lighted up my grandma's brow, as she wel- 
comed me, as oft before, to her humble home ! 
I thought the wrinkles had deepened upon her 
brow, the light fiided from her eye, — but still 
reflecting more of heaven than when she last 
gave me a parting blessing. She seemed more 



266 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

thouglitful, ae she sat there, in the ''old arm- 
chair," with the family Bible upon the stand by 
her side, than I had seen her before ; and oft- 
ener spoke of heaven and its joys, oftener wished 
me to read to her from her most precious earthly 
treasure, the, Bible. 

Tell me not of ''duties to the aged," but 
rather of the peaceful pleasure one receives in 
performing acts of kindness to them. Ah, speak 
kindly, lovingly, to them, for 

Enough of sorrow this cold world hath, 
Enough of care in its later path. 

Then see that ye add not a furrow to the sil- 
vered brow of the feeble and aged one. Yes, 

" Speak gently to age ! 
A weary way is the rough and toilsome road of life, 

As one by one its joys decay. 
And its hopes go out 'mid its lengthened strife." 

Never have I regretted one kind word spoken 
to my dear grandmother ; but a sigh oft swells 
my bosom, and tears moisten my eye, because I 
so poorly smoothed her rough and toilsome path. 
Death claimed our loved one when the lamp of 
life was almost extinguished. She is now lying 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 26T 

under those brown autumn leaves, with the sad 
winds blowing across her grave, and her pure 
spirit has gone to that land where age dims not 
the eye. Death to her was but the commence- 
ment of life — a passport to a brighter world, 
where dwell many who have gone on before, 
and await her in their eternal home. May we 
all be gathered, at last, to join her in singing 
praises to Him who sitteth upon the throne ! — 
Rural New Yorker. 

I HAVE gained the victory, and Christ is hold- 
ing out both hands to embrace me. — Rutherford. 

A WORD FOR THE UNMARRIED. 

A FINISHED life — a life which has made the 
best of all the materials granted to it, and 
through which, be its web dark or bright, its 
pattern clear or clouded, can now be traced 
plainly the hand of the Great Designer — surely 
•this is worth living for ! And, though at its 
end it may be somewhat lonely ; though a ser- 
vant, and not a daughter's arm may guide the 
failing step ; though most likely it will be 



268 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

strangers only who come about the dying bed, 
close the eyes that no husband ever kissed, and 
draw the shroud kindly over the poor, withered 
breast, where no child's head has ever lain ; still 
such a life is not to be pitied, for it is a com- 
plete life. It has fulfilled its appointed course, 
and returns to the Giver of all breath. Nor will 
He forget it when He counteth up his jewels. — 
Chambers' Journal. 

HEAVEN NEAE. 

One should go to sleep at night as homesick 
passengers do, saying, Perhaps in the morning 
we shall see the shore. To us who are Chris- 
tians, it is not a solemn, but a delightful thought, 
that perhaps nothing but the opaque bodily eye 
prevents us from beholding the gate which is 
open just before us, and nothing but the dull 
ear prevents us from hearing the ringing of 
those bells of joy which welcome us to the heav- 
enly land. — H. W. Beecher. 

HEAVEN. 

As, though the sky is not steadfastly clear, 
but often is covered with clouds, yet through 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 209 

the folds there shine at intervals the everlasting 
stars, so through the darkness of our hearts 
there steals at times the celestial glory, and we 
rejoice that there is a heaven above the world. 
— H. W. Beecher. 

HUMILITY. 

The bird that soars on highest wing 

Builds on the ground her lowly nest ; 
And she that doth most sweetly sing 

Sings in the shade when all things rest ; 

In lark and nightingale we see 

What honor hath humility. 

When Mary chose the "better part," 

She meekly sat at Jesus' feet ; 
And Lydia's gently-opened heart 

Was made for God's own temple meet ; 

Fairest and best adorned is she 

Whose clothing is humility. 

The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown 

In deepest adoration bends ; 
The weight of glory bows him down 

Then most when most his soul ascends ; 

Nearest the throne itself must be 

The footstool of humility. 

James Montgomery, 



270 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

GOD'S MERCY. 

No mercy hath been more endeared than what 
hath broken out of the thickest cloud, or more 
full and sweet than what hath come after much 
patience and continued wrestlings. — Fleming. 

TRUST IN GOD. 

Nothing does so much establish the mind, 
amidst the rolling and turbulence of present 
things, as both a look above them, and a look 
beyond them : above them, to the steady and 
good Hand by which they are ruled ; and beyond 
them, to the sweet and beautiful end to which, 
by that Hand, they shall be brought. — Leighton, 

CHILDHOOD. 

Childhood often holds a truth, with its feeble 
fingers, which the grasp of manhood cannot re- 
tain, which it is the pride of utmost age to 
recover. — Ruskin. 

GOD'S INFINITY. 

The infinity of Grod is not mysterious, it is 
only unfathomable ; not concealed, but incom- 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 271 

preliensible. It is a clear infinity, the darkness 
of the pure, unsearchable sea. — Ruskin. 

CHRIST EVERYWHERE. 

When a native female Christian of India was 
interrogated as to the ^tate of her mind, she re- 
plied, ''Happy! happy! I have Christ here^'' 
laying her hand on her Bengali Bible ; ''and 
Christ here^'' pressing it to her heart; "and 
Christ there^'' pointing toward heaven. 

EVENING-TIME. 

ZECH. XIV. 7. 

At evening-time let there be light : — 
Life's little day draws near its close ; 

Around me fall the shades of night, — 
The night of death, the grave's repose. 
To crown my joys, to end my woes, 

At evening-time let there be light. 

At evening-time let there be light : — 
Stormy and dark hath been my day ; 

Yet rose the morn benignly bright, 

Dews, birds, and flowers, cheered all the way. 
0, for one sweet, one parting ray ! 

At evening-time let there be light. 



272 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

At evening-time there shall be light, 
For God hath said, '' So let it be." 

Fear, doubt, and anguish, take their flight, — 
His glory now is risen on me ! 
Mine eyes shall his salvation see ; — 

'T is evening-time, and there is light. 

James Montgomery, 

THE SINNER'S SAVIOUR. 

Kneeling by the bed of an apparently dying 
saint, I said, '^ Well, sister, He has been 
precious to you ; you can rejoice in his cov- 
enant mercies, and his past loving-kindnesses." 
She put out her hand, and said, ''Ah, sir, do 
not talk about them now ; I want the sinner's 
Saviour as much now as ever. It is not a 
saint's Saviour I want ; it is still a sinner's 
Saviour that I am in need of, for I am a sinner 
still. ' ' — Spurgeon. 

MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER. 

The individuals of each race of lower animals, 
being not intended to hold among each other 
those relations of charity which are the privi- 
lege of humanity, are not adapted to each 
other's assistance, admiration, or support, by 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 273 

differences of power and function. But the love 
of the human race is increased by their indi- 
vidual differences, and the unity of the creature 
made perfect by each having something to 
bestow and to receive ; bound to the rest by a 
thousand various necessities and various grati- 
tudes, humility in each rejoicing to admire in his 
fellow that which he finds not in himself, and 
each being in some respect the complement of 
his race. — Ruskin. 

THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE GOOD. 
There is not any virtue the exercise of which, 
even momentarily, will not impress a new fair- 
ness on the features. — Ruskin. 

SPIRITUAL BEAUTY. 
There is a certain period of the soul-culture 
when it begins to interfere with some of the 
characters of typical beauty belonging to the 
bodily frame, the stirring of the intellect wear- 
ing down the flesh, and the moral enthusiasm 
burning its way out to heaven, through the 
emaciation of the earthen vessel ; and there is, 
in this indication of subduing the mortal by the 

13 



274 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

immortal part, an ideal glory of perhaps a purer 
^nd higher range than that of the more perfect 
material form. We conceive, I think, more 
nobly of the weak presence of Paul, than of the 
fair and ruddy countenance of David. — Ruskin. 

VANITY OF LIFE. 

I HAVE seen all that society can show, and 
enjoyed all that wealth can give me, and I am 
satisfied that much is vanity, if not vexation of 
spirit. — Walter Scott. 

SONG OF THE AGED. 

** Now, also, wlien I am old and gray-headed, God, forsake me 
not ; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy 
power to eyery one that is to come." — ^Ps. Ixxi. 18. 

With years oppressed, with sorrows worn, 
Dejected, harassed, sick, forlorn, 

To thee, God, I pray ; 
To thee my withered hands arise ; 
To thee I lift my failing eyes ; 

0, cast me not away ! 

Thy mercy heard my infant prayer ; 
Thy love, with all a mother's care, 
Sustained my childish days ; 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 275 

Thy goodness watched my ripening youth, 
And formed my heart to love thy truth, 
And filled my lips with praise. 

0, Saviour ! has thy grace declined ? 
Can years afi'ect the Eternal mind, 

Or time its love decay ? 
A thousand ages pass thy sight, 
And all their long and weary flight 

Is gone like yesterday. 

Then, even in age and grief, thy name 
Shall still my languid heart inflame, 

And bow my faltering knee ; 
0, yet this bosom feels the fire ; 
This trembling hand and drooping lyre 

Have yet a strain for thee. 

• 

YeSy broken, tuneless, still, Lord, 
This voice, transported, shall record 

Thy goodness, tried so long. 
Till, sinking slow, with calm decay, 
Its feeble murmurs melt away 

Into a seraph's song. — Grant. 

DEATH OF JOHN FOSTER. 

The substantial peace which he had attained 
did not desert him in his dying hours. As he 
felt his strength gradually stealing away, he 



276 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

remarked on his increasing weakness, and added, 
" Bat I can pray, and that is a glorious thing." 
Truly a glorious thing, to look up to an Omnip- 
otent Father ! to speak to him — to love him — to 
stretch upward as a babe from the cradle, that 
he may lift his child in his everlasting arms to 
the resting-place of his own bosom. This is the 
portion of the dying Christian. He was over- 
heard thus speaking with himself : '^ ' death, 
where is thy sting ? grave, where is thy vic- 
tory? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the 
victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.' " 
— Bayne. 

I AM LIKE A BROKEN VESSEL. 

PS. XXXI. 12. 

Cast as a broken vessel by, 

Thy will I can no longer do ; 
Yet, while a daily death I die, 

Thy power I may in weakness show ; 
My patience may thy glory raise, 
My speechless woe proclaim thy praise. 

Mrs. Steele. 

AGED BELIEVERS. 
Aged and mellow saints have so sweet a savor 
of Christ in them, that their conversation is like 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 277 

streams from Lebanon, sweetly refreshing to him 
who delights to hear of the glories of redeeming 
love. They have tried the anchor in the hour 
of storm, they have tested the armor in the 
day of battle, they have proved the shadow of 
the great rock in the burning noontide in the 
w^eary land ; therefore do they talk of those 
things, and of Him who is all these unto them, 
with an unction and a relish which we who have 
but just put on our harness can enjoy, although 
we cannot attain unto it at present. We must 
dive into the same waters, if we would bring up 
the same pearls. — Spitrgeon. 

THE DEATH OF A CHRISl^IAN MERCHANT, 
SAMUEL BUDGETT. 

I LIKE to hear of the beauties of heaven, but 
I do not dwell upon them. No, what I rejoice 
in is, that Christ will be there. Where He is, 
there shall I be also. I know that He is in me, 
and I in Him. I shall see Him as He is. I 
delight in knowing that. 

I have sunk into the arms of Omnipotent 
love. I am going the way of all flesh ; but, 
bless God, I'm ready. I trust in the merits of 



278 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

my Redeemer. I care not when, or where, or 
how ; glory be to God ! — Bayne. 



THE BORDER-LAND. 

Father, into thy loving hands 

My feeble spirit T commit, 
While wandering in these Border-lands, 

Until thy voice shall summon it. 

Father, I would not dare to choose 
A longer life, an earlier death ; 

I know not what my soul might lose 
By shortened or protracted breath. 

These Border-lands are calm and still, 
And solemn are their silent shades ; 

And my heart welcomes them, until 
The light of life's long evening fades. 

I heard them spoken of with dread, 
As fearful and unquiet places ; 

Shades where the living and the dead 
Look sadiy in each other's faces ; 

But since thy hand hath led me here. 
And I have seen the Border-land, — 

Seen the dark river flowing near. 

Stood on its brink, as now I stand, — 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 279 

There has been nothing to alarm 

My trembling soul ; how could I fear 

While thus encircled with thine arm ? — 
I never felt thee half so near ! 

What should appall me in a place 
That brings me hourly nearer thee ? 

Where I may almost see thy face, — 
Surely 'tis here my soul would be! 

They say thy waves are dark and deep, — 
That Faith hath perished in the river ; 

They speak of death with fear, and weep ; 
Shall my soul perish ? — Never, never ! 

I know that thou wilt never leave 

The soul that trembles while it clings 

To thee ; I know thou wilt achieve 

Its passage on thine outstretched wings. 

I cannot see the golden gate 

Unfolding yet to welcome me ; 
I cannot yet anticipate 

The joy of heaven's jubilee ; 

But I will calmly watch and pray, 

Until I hear my Saviour's voice 
Calling my happy soul away. 

To see his glory, and rejoice. 



280 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 

A PARTING WORD. 

"The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the Everlast- 
ing arms." 

What more can you desire, afflicted believer? 
No frail and crumbling tabernacle, no mere 
human friend, is declared to be thy refuge. It 
is none other than the Eternal God, who is from 
everlasting to everlasting, the same yesterday, 
to-day, and forever. It is He who invites you 
to run into his arms, and be forever safe. 

But do you say, I am so feeble, so utterly 
without strength, that I cannot run to him, or 
make any movement toward him ? Then see, 
further, how he has provided for you. " Under- 
neath you are the everlasting arms." All you 
need to do is just to yield yourself up to be sus- 
tained by those arms. Sink into them ; they 
are already beneath you — they even now sup- 
port you. Let childlike faith banish your fears ; 
rest you in the arms of the Eternal God. Lie 
there as a child, in your Father's loving, all- 
encompassing embrace. Those ''arms" cannot 
be palsied or too heavily burdened, and so let 
go their hold; they are ''everlasting." They 
bear up the universe ; surely, they can sustain 



THE EVENING OF LIFE. 281 

you. Millions have there found a blessed, au 
unfailing refuge and rest. Believe their testi- 
mony — rather, believe God's own word of 
promise. There you are^ tried believer ! 
those everlasting arms are underneath you, 
though sometimes you see them not. There we 
leave you. — Farewell ! 



FINIS, 

13* 



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PATRIARCHY; or, the Family, its Constitution and Proba By John 

Harris, D. D., President of " New College," London, and author of " The 
Great Teacher " " Mammon," " Pre- Adamite Earth," " Man Primeval," etc 
12mo. Cloth. $1.25. [IF=' A new work of great interest. 
This is the third and last of a series, by the same author, entitled " Contributions 
to Theological Science." The plan of this series is highly original, and lias been 
most successfully executed. Of the two first in the series, '' Prc-Adamite Earth" and 
*' Man Primeval," we have already issued four and five editions, and the demand 
still continues. The immense sale of all Dr. Harris's works attest their intrinsic 
worth. This volume contains most important information and instruction touching 
the family — its nature and order, parental instruction, parental authority and gov- 
ernment, parental responsibility, &c. It contains, in fact, such a fund of valuable 
information as no pastor, or head of a family, can afford to dispense with. 

GOD KEVEALED IN NATURE AND IN CHRIST: Including a Refutation 
of the Development Theory contained in the " Vestiges of the Natural History 
of Creation." By the Author of " The Philosophy of the Plan of Sai^ 
vation." 12mo. Cloth. $1.00. 

iHK author of that remarkable book, " The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,' 
ha devoted several years of incessant labor to the preparation of this work. With.out 
bt^ing specifically controversial, its aim is to overthrow several of tlie popular erro 8 
of the day, by establishing the antagonist truth upon an impregnable basis of reaso.'i 
and logic. In opposition to the doctrine of a mere subjective revelation, now so 
plausibly inculcated by certain eminent writers, it demonstrates the necessity of An 
external, objective revelation. Especially, it furnishes a new, and as it is conceived, 
a conclusive argument against the " development theory " so ingeniously maintanied 
in the " Vestiges of the Isatural History of Creation." As this author does not pub- 
lish except when he hSs something to say, there is good reason to anticipate that the 
work will be one of unusual interest and value. His former book has met with tli** 
most signal success in ^oth hemispheres, having passed through numerous editions 
h) finglaud and ScotJana, and been translated into four of the European language* 
»»r«ide8 It AS also about to be translated into tbe Hiudoostanee tonjtue. tn»' 



MODEEN ATHEISM. 

MODERN ATHEISM, undsr its Eorms of Pantheism, Materialism, Secu. 
larism, Development, and Natural Laws. By James Buchanan, D.D ,LL.D. 
12ino, cloth, 81.25. 

The Author of this -work is the successor of Dr. Chalmers in the Chair of Divinity in the New 
College, Edinburgh, and the intellectual leader of the Scottish Free Church. 

rr.OM Hugh Miller, Author of " Old Ked Saxdstoxe," &c., &c. — The work before us is 
one of at once the most readable and solid which we have ever perused. 

Fkom the " News of the Churches." — It is a work of which nothing less can be said, than 
t-i.it, both in spirit and substance, style and argument, it fixes irreversibly the name of the author 
as a leading classic in the Christian literature of Britain. 

From Howard Malcom, D. D., Presidei^t of Lewisburg University. — No work has 
ronie into my hands, for a long time, so helpful to me as a teacher of metaphysics and morals. 
I know of nothing which will -answer for a substitute. The public specially needs such a book at 
tills time, when the covert atheism of Fichte, Wolfe, Hegel, Kant, Schelling, D'Holbach, Comte, 
Crousse, Atkinson, Martineau, L.eroux, Mackay, Hol^'oake, and others, is being spread abroad with 
all earnestness, supported, at least in some places, both by church influence and university honors. 
I cannot but hope that a work so timely, scholarly, and complete, will do much good. 

It is one of the most solid and remarkable books in its department of literature; one of the most 
scholarly and profound productions of modern Christian literature. — Worcester Transcript. 

Dr. Buchanan has earned a high and well-deserved reputation as a classical writer and close logi- 
cal reasoner. He deals heavy, deadly blows on atheism in all its various forms ; and wherever the 
v/ork is read it cannot fail to do good. — Christian Secretary. 

It is a work which places its author at once in the highest rank of modem religious authors. His 
analyses of the doctrines held by the various schools of modern atheism are admirable, and his 
criticism original and profound ; while his arguments in defence of the Christian faith are powerful 
and convincing. It is an attractive as well as a solid book ; and he who peruses a few of its pages is, 
as it were, irresistibly drawn on to a thorough reading of the book.— Boston Portfolio. 

The style is very felicitous, and the reasoning clear and cogent. The opposing theories are fairly 
stated and combated with remarkable ease and skill. Even when the argument falls within the 
range of science, it is so happily stated that no intelligent reader can fail to understand ii. Such a 
profound, dispassionate work is particularly called for at the present time. — Boston Journal. 

It is justly described as "a great argument," " magnificent in its strength, order, and beauty," in 
defence of truth, and against the variant theories of atheism. It reviews the doctrines of the dif- 
ferent schools of modern Atheism, gives a fair statement of their theories, answers and refutes them, 
never evading, but meeting and crushing their arguments. — Phila. Christian Obsera'er. 

Dr. Buchanan is candid and impartial, too, as so strong a man can affbrdto be, evades no argument, 
undertakes no opposing view, but meets his antagonists with the quiet and unswerving confidence 
of a locomotive on iron tracks, pretty sure to crush them.— Christian Register. 

We hail this production of a master mind as a lucid, vigorous, discriminating, and satisfactory 
refutation of the various false philosophies which have appeared in modern times to allure ingenu- 
OU3 youth to their destruction. Dr. Buchanan has studied them thoroughly, weighed them dispas- 
sionately, and exposed their falsity and emptiness. His refutation is a clear stream of Lght from 
beginning to end. — Phila. Presbyterian. 

We recommend " Modern Atheism " as a book for the times, and as having special Uaims on 
t'-;oo]ogical students. — TJni verbalist Quarterly. 

It is remarkable for the clearness with which it apprehends and the fairness with which it states, 
n.t less than for the ability with which it replies to, the schemes of unbelief in its various modem 
fbi-ns. It will be found easy to read — though not light reading — and very quickening to thought, 
while it clears away, one by one, the mists which the Devil has conjured around the great doctrines 
of cur Faith, by the help of some of his ingenious modern coadjutors, and leaves the truth of God 
standing in its serene and pristine majesty, as if the breath of hatred never had been breatlied forth 
agr.inst it. — Congregationalist. 

Dr. Buchanan has here gone into the enemy's camp, and defeated ]jim on his own ground. 
The work is a masterly defence of faith against dogmatic unbelief on the one hand, and that unN 
versal skepticism on the other, which neither affirms nor denies, on the ground of an assumed} 
deficiency of evidence as to the reality of God and religion. — N. Y. Christian Chronicle. 

It is a clearly and vigorously written book. It is particularly valuable for its clear statement and 
tnastejly refutation of the Pantheism of Spinoza and his School. — Christian Herald. (v) 



BirOllTAM MiW WUUKS. 

YAIIYEII CHRIST, or the Memorial Name. By Alexander Mao- 
\yuonTEii, Yale University. With an Introductory Letter, by Isatlianiel W. 
Taylor, D. D., Dwight Professor oi Didactic Theology, Yale Tlieological Seminary. 
IGmo, cloth, 62c. 

The object of this work is to show that a most important error has hitherto been entertained 
respecting the Hebrew word given as "Jeliovah, in tne Old Testament. Theautlior shows, by a 
historic-philological argument, that it was not "Jehovah," but Yaiiveii,— that it does not mean 
'I Am" Cself-cxistencc), bnt 'llii who Will Be, or Come" (The Deliverer); in short, that 
the "Jeliovah' of the Old Testament, and the '• Christ" of the New, denote one and the same bemg. 

Extract from Dr. Taylor's Introductory Letter. — The argument is altogether new 
and original; and if valid, proves what many of the ablest tlieologians have believed, without resting 
their belief upon grounds so thoroughly exegetical. It raises a question to be met wherever the bible 
is read, — a question in respect to a fact which it would seem, if not admitted, must at least be con- 
troverted. If the view here taken is erroneous, it is too plausible to be passed over with nidilference 
by the friends of truth; if true, it is of unmeasured importance to the Church and to the world. 

The book is an intensely interesting one ; rich in suggestions with regard to the scheme of Provi- 
dence and Grace as developed under both Dispensations, and presenting in its main topic a subject 
that is deserving of thorough investigation. Wc think it cannot fail to be widely circulated, and to 
attract m no small degree the attention of scholars. — Chicago Christian Times. 

This little volume is destined at least to awaken thought and attention, if not to accomplish all that 
the author expects of it. The argument to a cursory glance shows great probability, and is worth 
a serious attention. Ii' his position could be demonstrated it would be one of vast importance to 
theology, and would give m some sense a new face to the Old Testament. Though the work relates 
to a Hebrew word, it is written in a form to be understood by all readers,, and it deserves^ what wo 
have no doubt it will receive, a careful examination. — Pueitan Recorder. 

It is refreshing in these days of many books, to fall in -with an original work, laying open a new vein 
of thought, and leading the student to a novel train of investigations. Mr. MacWhorter is entitled 
to this rare distinction, for his conclusions will be entirely new to the large body of American 
scholars. "We can commend the volume cordially to all readers who enjoy an investigation, marked 
by great thoroughness, ripe scholarship, and eminent candor, and written, too, in an animated and 
flowing style. We anticipate that the work must create a profound sensation in the theological world, 
for its conclusions are tenable ; it puts at rest forever all doubts of the Divinity of Clirist. — Watch- 
man AND Reflector. 

HE A YEN. By James Williaini Kbieall. With elegant illustrated title- 
page. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 

From Prof. Huntington, Editor of the Religious Magazine. — He has avoided the 
perilous and tempting extremes of rash or fanciful painting on the one side, or of a too exact an I 
literal description on the other. . . . One is surprised at the mental discipline, the variety of 
information, and the measure of literary skill evinced in the body of tlie work- 

The book is full of beautiful ideas, consoling hopes, and brilliant representations of human destiny, 
all presented in a chaste, pleasing, and very readable style. — N. Y. Chronicle. 

There is an air of freshness and originality about it, that will render it interesting even to sonic 
whose spirits have not caught the upward tendency. — Puritan Recorder. 

This is a delightful volume, written by an active business man of tliis citj', upon a subject whiclj 
must always possess peculiar interest to the Christian. — N. E. Farmer. 

It is suggestive of elevated thoughts respecting that loftj' state and place which is called heave: , 
and to the attainment of which our best energies should be directed. — Presbyterian. 

We welcome this contribution to our religious literature, from the open pen of a Christian mer- 
chant. Free from pedantry and the con\cntionalities of logic and of style, it comes to us with ii 
freshness of thought and a fervor of feeling that are often wanting in the scnolar's page. The auth< r 
draws illustrations^ som times, from scenes with which the professional teacher is little conversar '.. 
— N. Y. Indetexdent. 

The author is certainly an independent thinker, as well as a vigorous writer, and has written .i 
book tliat will please the thoughtful, and Avill astonislv pious people, who seldom, and nhvayj timidly, 
think. Freed from the technicalities of theological science, his style is all the more pleasing. I« 
short, everything about the work is fresh and racy. The author's view-s of the society, joy, ar.d 
occupations ot Heaven are somewhat peculiar, but none the less plnlosophical aud acceptable. We 
admire him intensely, and bid him God speed. —Western Lit. Messenger. {w) 



DU. WILLIAMS'S WOEKS. 



RELIGIOUS PROGRESS; Discourses on the Development of the 
Christian Cliaracter. By WILLIAM R. Williams, D. D. Third ed. 12mo, cl , 85c. 

This work is from the pen of one of the brightest lights of the American pulpit. We scarcely know 
of any living writer who has a finer command of powerful thought and glowing, impressive language 
tlian he. The volume will advance, if possible, the author's reputation. — De. Spkaguk, Alb. Atlas. 

This book is a rare phenomena in these days. It is a rich exposition of Scripture, with a fund of 
practical religious wisdom, conveyed in a style so strong and massive as to remind one of the English 
V :te -s of two centuries ago ; and yet it abounds in fresh illustrations drawh from every (even the 
latest opcred) field c ; science and of literature. — Methodist Quarterly. 

I His pDv/er of apt and forcible illustration is without a parallel among modem writers. The mute 
'j)ages spri ig into life beneath the magic of his radiant imagination. But this is never at the exi)cnse 
of soli Jitj'- of thought or strength of argument. It is seldom, indeed, that a mind of so much poetical 
Invention yields such a willing homage to the logical element. — Harper^s Monthly Miscellany. 

"With warm and glowing language, Dr. "Williams exhibits and enforces the truth ; every page radiant 
with " thoughts that burn," leave their indelible impression upon the mind. — If. Y. Com. Adv. 

The sti-ength and compactness of argumentation, the correctness and beauty of style, and the im- 
portance of ilie animating idea of the discourses, are worthy of the high reputation of Dr. Williams, 
and place them among the most finished homiletic productions of the day. - i\'. Y. Evangelist. 

Dr. Williams has no superior among American divines in profound and exact learning, and bril- 
liancy of style. He seems familiar with the literature of the world, and lays his vast resources under 
contribution to illustrate and adorn every theme which he investigates. We wish the volume could 
be placed in every religious family in the country. — jPAi7. Ch. Chronicle. 

LECTURES ON THE LORD'S PRAYER. TWrd ed. 32mo, cl., 85c. 

We obsei-ve the writer's characteristic fulness and richness of language, felicity and beauty of illus- 
tration, j ustness of discrimination and thought. — Watchman and Reflector, 

Dr. Williams is one of the most interesting and accomplished writers in this country* We welcome 
this volume as a valuable contribution to our religious literature — Ch. Witness. 

In reading, we resolved to mark the passages which we most admired, but soon found that we should 
be obliged to mark nearly all of them. — Ch. Secretai^y. 

It bears in every page the mark of an elegant writer and an accomplished scholar, an acute reasoner 
and a cogent moralist. Some passages are so decidedly eloquent that we instinctively find ourselves 
looking round as if upon an audience, and ready to join them with audible applause— Ch. Inquirer. 

We are constantly reminded, in reading his eloquent pages, of the old English writers, whose vigor- 
ous thought, and gorgeous imagery, and varied learning, have made their writings an inexhaustible 
mine for tlie scholars of the present day. — Ch. Observer. 

Their breadth of view, strength of logic, and stirring eloquence place them among the very best hom- 
iletical efforts of the age. Every page is full of suggestion as well as eloquence. — Ch. PaAor Mag. 

MISCELLANIES. New, improved edition. (Price reduced.) 12mo, 1,25. 

CS- This work, which has been heretofore published in octavo form at 1,75 per copy, is published by 
^he present proprietors in one handsome 12mo volume, at the low price of 1,25. 

A volume which is absolutely necessary to the completeness of a library. — K. Y. Weekly Review. 

Dr. Williams is a profound scholar and a brilliant writer. — X. Y. Evangelist. 

He often rises to the sphere of a glowing and impressive eloquence, because no other form of Ian- 
puage can do justice to his thoughts and emotions. So, too, the exuberance of literary illustration, 
with which he clothes the driest speculative discussions, is not brought in for the sake of eftect, but as 
he natural expression of a mind teeming with the " spoils of time '' and the treasures of study in al- 
most every department of learning. — N. Y. Tribune. 

From the pen of one of the most able and accomplished authors of the age. — Bap. Memorial, 

We are glad to see this volume. We wish such men abounded in every sect.— Ch. Register. 

One of the richest volumes that has been given to the public for many years, — N. Y. Bap. Reg. 

The author's mind is cast in no common mould. A delightful volume. — Meth. Brot. Rlj 



MOTHERS OF THE WISE AND GOOL\ 

BY THK REV. JABEZ BURIVS, D. D. 

Author of "Pulpit Cyclopaedia," etc. 16mo, cloth, 75 cents. 

osr A beautiful gallery of portraits of those who not only were " wise and good" in their own gen- 
eration, but whose influonce, long after tlicy wore slumbering in the dust, went forth to live again in 
their children. A sketch of tlie mothers of tlie most eminent men of the world, showing liow much 
they were indebted to maternal influence for their greatness and excellence of character, is given. 

A handsome volume, containing heaven-blessed memorials of many excellent Christian mothers, 
for the encouragement of others. — Phil. Ch. Observer. 

If this is not a popular work, it must be because mothers are scarce, and real children arc no more. 
It is full of the anecdotal literature of the subject— tales with a moral. It ougl»t to be in tiie Sabbulh 
school library, and in every sitting room where there is a mother to be stimulated and encouragt^d in 
her sweet and holy vocation. G. & L. liave done many good things, but none better than the repub- 
lication of this book. — Puritan Recorder. 

This is a great and blessed collection of important subjects, relating to, or bearing upon, the mater- 
nal influence, in forming the habits and moulding the character of children. It should be in tho 
home of every mother in our land. — Albany Spectator. 

One of the most delightful volumes we have read for a long time, and as useful and valuable as it 
is delightful. It has been well described as " a cabinet of charming reminiscences, of facts and 
moi-als, of incidents and principles— it once delightful and edifying — a gallery of" elect ladies " and 
their sons. We bespeak for it a universal reception. — j.V. Y. Commercial. 

We wish it were in every family, and read by every mother in the land.— Lutheran Observer. 

We have lingered over the pages of this most attractive book, with feelings of interest, which we 
cannot express. Many remembrances of youth arose, and took full possession of our heart, while 
in some instances, we scarcely knew whether we read the pages of the work before us, or those of 
memory. It is well that instances of the precious influences of maternal piety, prudence, and love, 
should be recorded; but who can tell their inestimable value? — English Free Ch. JIagazine. 

THE EXCELLENT WOMAN, as described in the Book of Proverbs. 
VVitli an Introduction by Rev. W. B. Sprague, D. D., containing twenty-four splen- 
did Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, 1,00 j cloth, gilt, 1,75 3 extra Turkey, 2.59. 

CS~ This elegant volume is an appropriate and valuable "gift book " for the husband to present the 
wife, or the child the mother. It treats of the following subjects : The Virtuous Woman ; Trust- 
worthy ; Beneficent; Active; Enterprising; Provident; ^Managing; Energetic; Vigilant; Indus- 
trious; Humane; Thoughtful; Tasteful; Creditable ; Trafficking ; Reputable; Peaceful; Domes- 
tic; Commended; Pre-eminent; Godly, and Rewarded Woman. 

It is not sufficient praise to say that we have been interested in the perusal of this book. It is just 
Buch a book as the times demand. It presents to the female mind incentives to live for something 
more noble than to flit like a butterfly in the sunshine of capricious admiration. The Excellent 
AVoinan, described in the Book of Proverbs, is the text by which the writer enforces the truth that, 
true dignity and honor are alone attained by a thorough knowledge, and continued practice of the 
relative duties of life. We recommend it to the careful perusal of all our patrons. — Mothers' Journal. 

An excellent l)ook, elegantly printed, and embellished with some twenty-four beautiful engravings. 
W^e commend the work most cordially to mothers, sisters, and daughters.— Phil. Ch. Observer. 

It will bear to be read more than once; and each successive reading will reveal some new gem 
of tUought which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before.-— Advertiser. 

Vs'c have commended no book with more heartiness and good will, and shall be glad if our com- 
1.1 u lation places it in the families of our readers, as a book to be read.— Watchman and R^cctor. 

I all of wisdom and instruction. — Salem Register. 

A gem of the first water, regarding either beauty of typography, or richness of contents. — Cong. 

THE MARRIAGE RING; On How to make Home Happy. From the 
Writings of John Angeli. James. Beautiful illustrated edition. Illuminated title, 
and elegant variegated borders round the pages of the book. IGino, cloth, gilt, 75 cts. 
osr A more beautiful or appropriate " gift " to present a newly-married couple, cannot be found. 
A beautiful volume, and a very suitable present to a newly-married couple. — N.Y. Ch. Intelligencer, 
An exquisite little volume, inculcating practical hints and wise sugLrestions. — Am. Tntrellcr. 

JJ 



IMPORTANT WORK. 



KITTO'S POPULAR CYCLOPAEDIA OP BIBLICAL LITERA. 
TURE. Condensed from the larger work. By the Author, John Kitto, D. D., Autiior 
of" Pictorial Bible," "■ History of Palestine," " Scripture Daily Readings," Sec. Assisted 
by James Taylor, D. D., of Glasgow. With over Jive hundred Illustrations. One vol- 
ume octavo, 812 pp., cloth, 3,00. 

The Popular Biblical Cyclopedia of Literature is designed to furnish a Dictioxart 
OF the Bible, embodying the products of the best and most recent researclies in biblical literature, 
in whicli tlie scholars of Europe and America have been engaged. The work, the result of immense 
labor and research, and enriched by the contributions of writers of distinguished eminence in tlie va- 
rious departments of sacred literature, has been, by universal consent, pronounced the best work of 
^fi class extant, and the one best suited to the advanced knowledge of the present day in all the stuaies 
eonnected with theological science. It is not only intended for ministers and theological students, 
|)utis also particularly adapted to parents, Sabbath school teachers, and the great body of the religious' 
public. The illustrations, amounting to more than three hundred, are of the very highest order. 

A condensed view of the various branches of Biblical Science comprehended in the work. 

1. Biblical Criticism, — Embracing the History of the Bible Languages ; Canon of Scripture? 
Literary History and Peculiarities of the Sacred Books ; Formation and History of Scripture Texts. 

2. History, — Proper Names of Persons; Biographical Sketches of prominent Characters; Detailed 
Accounts of important Events recorded in Scripture ; Chronology and Genealogy of Scripture. 

8. Geography, — Names of Places ; Description of Scenery ; Boundaries and Mutual Relations of 
the Countries mentioned in Scripture, so far as necessary to illustrate the Sacred Text. 

4. Archeology, — Manners and Customs of the Jews and other nations mentioned in Scripture ; 
their Sacred Institutions, Military Aifairs, Political Arrangements, Literary and Scientific Pursuits. 

5. Physical Science,-- Scripture Cosmogony and Astronomy, Zoology, Mineralogy, Botany, 
Meteorology. 

In addition to numerous flattering notices and reviews, personal letters from more than fifty of the 
most distinguished Ministers and Laymen of different religious denominations in the country have been 
received, highly commending this work as admirably adapted to ministers, Sabbath school teachers^ 
aisads of families, and all Bible students. 

The following extract of a letter is a fair specimen of individual letters received from each of the 
gentlemen whose names are given below : — 

" I have examined it with special and unalloyed satisfaction. It has the rare merit of being all that 
it professes to be, and very few, I am sure, who may consult it will deny that, in richness and fulness 
of detail, it surpasses tlieir expectation. Many ministers will find it a valuable auxiliary; but its 
ehief excellence is, that it furnishes just the facilities v/hich are needed by the thousands in families 
and Sabbath schools, who are engaged in the important business of biblical education. It is in itself a 
library of reliable information." 

W. B. Sprague, D. D., Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, Albany, N. Y. 

J. J. Carruthers, D. D., Pastor of Second Parish Congregational Church, Portland, Me. 

Joel Hawes, D. D., Pastor of First Congregational Church, Hartford, Ct. 

Daniel Sharp, D. D., late Pastor of Third Bapti?t Church, Boston. 

N. L. Frothingham, D.D.,late Pastor of First Congregational Church, (Unitarian,) Boston. 

Ephraim Peabody, D. D., Pastor of Stone Chapel Congregational Church, (Unitarian,) BostOifl, 

A. L. Stone, Pastor of Park Street Congregational Church, Boston. 

John S. Stone, D. D., Rector of Christ Church, (Episcopal,) Brooklyn, N. Y. 

J. B. Waterbury, D. D., Pastor of Bowdoin Street Church, (Congregational,) Boston. 

Baron Stow, D. D., Pastor of Rowe Street Baptist Church, Boston. 

Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., Pastor of Carmine Presbyterian Church, New York. 

Samuel W. Worcester, D. D., Pastor of the Tabernacle Church, (Congregational.) Salem. 

Horace Bushnell, D. D., Pastor of Third Congregational Church, Hartford, Ct. 

Right Reverend J. M. Wainwright, D. D., Trinity Church, (Episcopal,) New Y(.xk. 

Gardner Spring, D. D., Pastor of the Brick Church Chapel Presbyterian Church, Ne^sr Yoi-k. 

W. T. D wight, D. D., Pastor of Third Congregational Church, Portland, Me. 

E. N. Kirk, Pastor of Mount Vernon Congregational Church, Boston. 

Prof. George Bush, author of " Notes on the Scriptures," New York. 

Howard INIalcom, D. D., author of " Bible Dictionary," and Pres. of Lewisburg University. 

Henry J. Ripley, D. D., author of " Notes on the Scriptures," and Prof in Newton Theol. In«. 

N. Porter, Prof, in Yale College, New Haven, Ct. 

Jared Sparks, Edward Everett, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Robert C. Winthrop, John ISIcLean, 

Simon Greenleaf, Thomas S. Williams, — and a large number of others of like character and 

standing of the above, whose names cannot here appear. H 



DirORTANT WORKS. 

ANALYTICAL COXCOP.DAXCE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTTirtES ; 

or, The Bible presented under Distinct and Classified Heads or Tcpics. By John 
Eadie, D. D., LL. D., Author of "Biblical Cyclopaedia," "Dictionary of the 
Bible," &c., &c. One volume, royal octavo, 833 pp. Cloth, $?3.00; sheep, $<3.50, 
Just published. 

The publishers would call the special attention of clergymen and others to eome of the peculiar 
features of tliis great work. 

1. It is a concordance of siO)jects, not of words. In this it differs from the common concordance, 
Which, of course, it does not supersede. Both are necessary to the Biblical studcnL 

2. It embraces all the topics, both secular and religious, which are naturally suggested by the entire 
contents of the Bible. In this it differs from Scripture Manuals and Topical Text-books, which art 
Ton lined to religious or doctrinal topics. 

r.. It contains the whole of the Jlible without ahriclgment, differing In no respect from the Blblo la 
common iise, except in the classification of its contents. 

4. Tt contains a synopsis, separate from the concordance, presenting within the compass of a few 
pages a bird's-eye view of the whole contents. 

5. It contains a table of contents, embracing nearly two thousand heads, arranged in alpliabetical 
order. 

6. It is much siiperior to the only other work iu the language prepared on the same general plan, 
end is offered to the public at much less cost. 

The purchaser gets not only a Concordance, but also a Bible, in this volume. The superior con- 
venience arising out of this fact, — saving, as it does, the necessity of having two bookj at hand and 
of making two references, instead of one, — will be readily apparent. 

The general subjects (under each of vrhich there are a vast number of sub-divisions) are arranged 
as follows, viz. : 

Agriculture, Genealogy, Ministers of Religion, Sacrifice, 

Animals, God, Miracles, Scriptures, 

Architecture, Heaven, Occupations, Speech, 

Army, Arms, Idolatry, Idols, Ordinances, Spirits, 

Body, Jesus Christ, Parables and Emblems, Tabernacle and Temple, 

Canaan, Jews, Persecution, Vineyard and Orchard, 

Covenant, Laws, Praise and Prayer, Visions and Dreams, 

Diet and Dress, Magistrates, Prophecy, War, 

Disease and Death, Man, Providence, "Water. 

Earth, Marriage, Redemption, 

Family, Metals and Minerals, Sabbaths and Holy Days, 

That such a work as this Is of exceeding great convenience is matter of obvious remark. But it 
Is much more than that ; It Is also an Instructive work. It Is adapted not only to assist the student 
In prosecuting the investigation of preconceived ideas, but also to impart ideas which the most care- 
ful reading of the Bible In Its ordinary arrangement might not suggest. Let him take vp anj' one of 
the subjects — " Agriculture," for example — and see if such be not the case. This feature places 
the work In a higher grade than that of the common Concordance. It shows it to be, so to speak, a 
work of more mind. 

No Biblical student would willingly dispense with this Concordance when once possessed. It Is 
adapted to the necessities of all classes, — clergymen and theological students; Sabbath-school 
■siiperintendents and teachers; authors engaged In the composition of religious and even secular 
works; and. In fine, common readers of the Bible, Intent only on their own Improvement. 

A CO^IMENTARY ON THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE ACTS 
OF THE APOSTLES. By Horatio B. Hackett. D. D., Professor of Biblical Liter- 
ature and Interpretation, in the Xewtou Theological Institution. DC?^A new, 
revised, and enlarged edition. Octavo, cloth. In Press, 

I3©~ This most Important and very popular work, has been throughly revised (some parts bclnf 
entirely rewritten), and considerably enlarged by the introduction of important new matter, the 
result of the Author's continued, laborious investigations since the publication of the first edition, 
oided by the more recent published criticisms on this portion of the Divine "Word, by othev* distin". 
guished Biblical Scholars, in this country and In Europe. (V 



GHEI8TIAN8 DAILY TEEASUllY. 

A KELIGIOUS EXERCISE FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR. 

By E. Temple, author of the '* Domestic Altar." A new and improved 
edition. 12mo, cloth, $1,00. 

c^" A work for every Christian. No one should he without it. It is indeed a " Treasury " d 
good things. 

If any book of modern date has fallen in our own way that deserves a second and a third com- 
mendation, it is this. "We wish most heartily that this volume were the daily companion of every 
disciple of Christ, in the land. " Temple " is calm, logical, Scriptural, devout, full of light, if not 
" without any darkness at all." Could not other copies be obtained, we would not part with our own 
for ten times the cost of it. — Congregationalist. 

7'he outlines or materials for reflection and meditation. They are designed for the Christian in his 
daily walk with God Puritan Recorder. 

It should be found on the t|ible of every Christian and receive his daily attention.— Ch. Times. 

• It differs materially from any thing that we have met with. The author has a most happy tal- 
ent at conveying much important truth in a few words. It is altogether an admirable work, worthy 
to be read by every Christian who deserves to be quickened and sanctified by divine truth, and wor- 
thy to be studied by every minister who aims at simplicity and perspicuity in the construction of 
his sermons. — Dk. Spkague, ^Z6an^ ^^Zas. 

A useful evangelical volume, designed to assist Christians in the work of daily meditation on the 
divine word. — Christian Herald. 

A grand work for the centre table of every Christian, or for the most private place, where they hold 
communion with the Invisible. — Albany Ch. Spectator, 

It is one of the best of the kind that we have ever examined. It is a treasury of evangelical truth 
forcibly expressed, in a manner well adapted to awaken thought. — Phil. Ch. Observer. 

This work might appropriately be called a guide to meditation. The plan strikes us as a very happy 
one. Many do not know how to meditate. A careful use of this volume, will do very much to form 
habits of profitable meditation on Scripture. — Phil. Ch. Chronicle. 

"Were these " Exercises " less animated and life like, we might almost call them sTceletons ; but 
skeletons have not flesh and blood, as the reader finds these to have. We prefer them to any thing 
of the kind we have before seen. They are especially adapted for daily reading ; and designed to 
furnish themes for profitable meditation. — Dover Star. 

This is a precious compendium of pious reflections, upon happily-selected Scriptures. It is very 
superior to the numerous works of this character already published, and will afford alike pleasure 
and profit in the study of the minister, and in the closet of the private Christian. — American Pulpit. 

We give it our most decided recommendation. It differs from the generality of works of a some- 
what similar style, in that they consist of reflections, while this more particularly forms the outlines 
or materials for reflection and meditation. We feel confident these outlines will be found highly ac- 
ceptable to the Christian in his daily walk with Godi. -^ Baltimore Lutheran Observer. 

There is no volume on the same general plan, and having the same aim as this, can compare with it, 
for its suggestive properties and comprehensiveness. — Ch. Mirror. 

It breathes the spirit of the gospel. It is eminently suggestive and practical. The Christian who 
shall daily appropriate its treasures, will, at the end of the year, find himself greatly enriched. It de- 
serves a place in every Christian's library. — i\r. Y. Recorder. 

This excellent treasury furnishes rich, practical, and devotional instruction. It is well to feed daily 
on such spiritual food. — N'. Y. Observer. 

This work is a treasure, indeed, to any one who will study its daily lessons.— Ch. Index. 

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. By Thomas a Kempis. Intro- 
ductory Essay, by T. Chalmers, D. D. New and improved edition. Edited by the 
Rev. Howard Malcom, D. D. 18mo, cloth, 38 cts. 

THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR : His Work and the needful Preparation. 
An Essay in favor of Theological Education. By Alvah Hovey, D. D., Pro- 
fessor of Theology in the Newton Theological Institution. ISmo, pp. 60. Flexil?i^ 
cloth, 25c. 
B@~ A Avork of great power, and admirably adapted to the times. ( Mm) 



IMPOirrANT NKW WOlUvS. 

THE TESTIMONY OF THE ROCKS : or, Geology in its Bearings on 
the two Theologies, Natural and Kcvcaled. By Hugh Miller. " Thou slinJt he 
in league with tlie stones of the Held." — Job. With numerous elegant illustration.-, 
12mo, cloth, SI 25. 

The completion of this important work employed the last hours of the lamented author, and may 
be considered his greatest and in fact his life work. 

MACAULAY ON SCOTLAND. A Critique. By Hugh Miller, 
Author of " Footprints of the Creator,'' &c. 16mo., flexible cloth, 25c. 

When we read Macaulay's last volumes, we said that they wanted nothing but the fiction to make 
fin epic poem; and now it seems that they are not wanting even in that.— Puritax Recokder. 

lie meets the historian at the fountain head, tracks him through the old pamphlets and newspapers 
on which he relied,and demonstrates that his own authorities are against him.— Boston Transcript. 

THE GREY'SON LETTERS. Selections from the Correspondence of 

R. E. II. Greyson, Esq. Edited by Henry Rogers, Author of " The Eclipse of Faith." 

12mo, cloth, $1.25. 

" Mr. Greyson and Mr. Rogers are one and the same person. The whole work is from his pen ; 
and every letter is radiant with the genius of the author of the ' Eclipse of Faith.' " It discusses a 
wide range of subjects in the most attractive manner. It abounds in the keenest wit and humor, 
satire and logic. It fairly entitles Mr. Rogers to rank with Sydney Smith, and Charles Lamb as a 
wit and humorist, and with Bishop Butler as a reasoner. 

If Mr. Rogers lives to accomplish our expectations, we feel little doubt that his name will share, 
with those of Butler and Pascal, in the gratitude andvenerationof posterity. — London Quarterly. 

Full of acute observation, of subtle analysis, of accurate logic, fine description, apt quotation, pithy 
remark, and amusing anecdote. . . . A book, not for one hour, but for all hours; not for one mood, 
but for every mood, to think over, to dream over, to laugh over. — Boston Journal. 

A truly good book, containing wise, true and original reflections, and written in an attractive style. 

— Hon. Geo. S. Hillard, LL. D., in Boston Courier. 

Mr. Rogers has few equals as a critic, moral philosopher, and defender of truth. . . . This volume 
is full of entertainment, and full of food for thought, to feed on. — Philadelphia Presbyterian. 

The Letters are intellectual gems, radiant with beauty and the lights of genius, happily inter- 
mingling the grave and the gay. — Christian Observer. 

ESSAYS IN BIOGRAPHY AND CRITICISM. By Peter Bayne, 
M. A., Author of " The Chiistian Life, Social and Individual." Arranged in two Series, 
OE Paris. 12mo, cloth, each, $1.25. 

This work is prepared by the author exclusively for his American publishers. It includes eign^ 
teen articles, viz : 
First Series :— Tliomas De Quincy. — Tennj'son an^l his Teachers. — Mrs. Barrett Browning. 

— Recent Aspects of British Art. —John Ruskin. — Hugh Miller.- The Modern Novel ; Dickens, &c. 
•— Ellis, Acton, and Currer Bell. — Charles Kingsley. 

Second Series : — S. T. Coleridge. — T. B. Macaulay. — Alison. — Wellington. — Napoleon. — 
P-ato.- Characteristics of Christian Civilization. — Education in the Nineteenth Century.— Tho 
Pulpit and the Press. 

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF JAMES MONTGOMERY. Abridged 
from the recent London, ?even volume edition. By Miis. II. C. Knight, Author 
of '' Lady Huntington and her Friends,-' &c. With a fine likeness and an elegant 
illustrated title page on steel. 12mo, cloth, $1.25. 

This is an original biography prepared from the abundant, biit ill-digested materials con- 
tained in the seven octavo volumes of the T.ondon edition. The great bulk of that work, together 
With the heavy style of its literary ericjv.tion, must nrccssarily prevent its republication in this 
country. At the same time, the CJinjt*rt'» put/': in America will expect sonic memoir of a poet 
whose hymns and sacred melodies ha' e d'.e;i t'r t <h Lght of every household. This work, it is confi- 
dently hoped, will fully satisfy the putlii L' fi'fi. M. is prepared by one who has already von distin- 
ffuiHuea 'uurcls in this department of .^tjri' c ;'i (xj 



GOULB ANB LINCOLN, 

59 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, 

Would call particular attention to the following valuable v/orKS described 
in their Catalogue of Publications, viz. : 

Hugh. Miller's "Works. 

Eayne*S{ "Works. "Walker's ^Works. Miall's "Works. Bungener's Work. 

Annnal of Seientiflc Discovery. Knight's Knowledge is Power. 

Krummaeher's Suffering Saviour, 

Banvard's American Histories. The Aimwell Stories. 

STewcOTnb's "Works. Tweedie's Works. Chambers's "Works. Harris' "Works^ 

Kitto's Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature. 

l^rs. Knight*s Life of Montgomery. Kitto's History of Palestia 

Wheewell's "Work. "Wayland's "Works. Agassiz's Works. 



% Add. of Sclent. DaW ^^ Hugh Mil J er. , 

i Earth and Man ^" % ^"-^'^ ^' ^^'«"«. \\ 
^Principles Of Zoology % u"I'a?^°> ^ 

VThesaur. ofEng. Words% ^eter JVitkR '''''; 
% Knowledge is Power, '% Ch^vle^'^^]^^^' 
m Cyclop, of Eng. Literat. ,% Robert Chfih 
llicyclop. of Bible Lit., % Kitto. - Su^ 
m Concord, of the Eible, % Eadie. - W,'H°' 
M|Ji, Analyt. Cone, of Bible, m r. . )l^^'>ams. 

^\WV^ Moral Science, 

tlf\%.Tbe Great Teacher, 



tp^r^'s/tf^r^v^sd - 



William's "Works. Guyot's Works. 

CJliompson's Better Land. Kimball's Heaven. Valuable "Works on Missions. 

Haven's Mental Philosophy. Buchanan's Modern Atheism. 

Cruden's Condensed Concordance. Eadie's Analytical Concordance. 

The Psalmist : a Collection of Hymns. 

Valuable School Books. "Works for Sabbath Schools. 

Memoir of Amos Lawrence. 

Poetical Works of Milton, Cowper, Scott. Elegant Miniature Volr.ir.p'P. 

Arvine's Cyclopaedia of Anecdotes. 

Ripley's Notes on G-ospels, Acts, and Romans. 

Sprague's European Celebrities. Marsh's Camel and the Hallig. 

Roget's Thesaurus of English "Words. 

Hackett's Notes on Acts. M'Whorter's Yahveh Christ. 

Siebold and Stannius's Comparative Anatomy. Marco's G-eological Map, "IT. S. 

Religious and Miscellaneous "Works. 

Works in the various Departments* of Literatura, Science and Art. 



